NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Spain and England to update their great rivalry In women’s soccer, she is in the qualifying group for the 2027 World Cup.
Defending world champions Spain and European champions England were joined by Iceland and Ukraine when UEFA drew the qualifying groups on Tuesday.
Spain defeated England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney in July, and England retained the title by defeating Spain in the Euro 2025 final.
The two sides also met twice earlier this year, exchanging home wins in the UEFA Nations League group, which Spain topped.
Only the group winners next June will directly qualify for the 32-team Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil.
The winners of the four groups in top-tier League A will automatically receive four spots. Seven more qualifying teams will advance to the playoffs next year, and one more European team will have a chance at the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for February 2027.
In the other top groups, top-seeded France will face the Netherlands, Poland and Ireland.
Sweden and Italy squandered a late lead against England in the Euro 2025 finals, but are now in the same group as Denmark and Serbia.
Germany, who lost to Spain in the Euro 2025 semi-finals, will face Norway, Austria and Slovenia.
Round robin group stage games for all three league levels will be held in March, April and June.
Group standings will determine the 32 teams that will advance to the first of two rounds of the European play-offs, which begin in October.
The second round of the playoffs will conclude in December and seven more teams will be sent to Brazil. The eight playoff winners will advance to the intercontinental playoffs.
53 of UEFA’s 55 member federations took part in Tuesday’s draw. Russia has been suspended from participating in international competitions due to the war with Ukraine, and San Marino is not participating in any women’s national team events.
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