How the Home Nations Can Reach the Women’s World Cup

Five home nations are still alive in the race for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and the next few days could shape the region’s football story for years. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all enter decisive play-off ties, with pressure, travel and difficult opponents standing between them and a place in Brazil.

England begin as clear favourites

England’s path is the most straightforward on paper, but there is no room for complacency. Sarina Wiegman’s side meet Greece in a two-legged play-off, starting away in Crete on Friday, 9 October, before returning to the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October.

If the Lionesses get through, they will face the winners of Slovakia v Ukraine in the next round, with dates still to be confirmed. Those second-leg fixtures are expected between 26 November and 5 December 2026, meaning England may still have one more hurdle to clear before booking their World Cup place.

The rankings suggest the draw has been kind. England are well above Greece in the FIFA standings and also beat Ukraine home and away in qualifying, finishing with five wins from six matches. Yet Wiegman has repeatedly stressed the importance of control rather than reputation.

“We want to dominate games and have a lot of the ball,” Wiegman said. “That’s something we will prepare for carefully.”

Her squad selection also added an extra talking point. Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly were left out of the initial group, with Wiegman saying both had “not been playing to their full potential” in recent weeks. The message was clear: qualification will depend on form, not name value.

Wales face a test of belief

Wales kick off their campaign against Albania, and they will hope the confidence built during qualifying can carry over. Rhian Wilkinson’s side produced one of their best results by beating Albania 4-0 earlier in the campaign, a result that should give them belief heading into this meeting.

Still, the challenge becomes much steeper if Wales reach round two. They are likely to need to defeat a top-20 ranked nation to secure qualification, something they have never done in a competitive fixture. That statistic adds weight to the task, but also frames the scale of the opportunity.

The mood around the Welsh camp is hopeful rather than fearful. If they can start fast and keep the pressure on, their route remains alive.

Scotland ready for another shot

Scotland’s first obstacle is the Czech Republic, and a win would keep alive their hopes of reaching just a second Women’s World Cup finals. Their only previous appearance came in 2019, while the team missed out in 2023.

This time, however, there are signs of progress. Scotland have shown they can compete with stronger European teams, including a notable draw with Belgium during qualifying. That kind of result has given the squad reason to believe they can rise again on a bigger stage.

If they advance, a possible showdown with Sweden could follow. The Swedes have long been one of Europe’s toughest sides and were semi-finalists at the last two Women’s World Cups, so Scotland would need a major performance to keep moving forward.

A route that rewards consistency

The play-off format means form can flip quickly. One strong night can turn a team’s World Cup hopes around, while one mistake can end months of work.

For Scotland, the key will be balance: staying disciplined at the back while still trusting their ability to create chances. That blend has been missing at times in previous qualification campaigns, but this group appears better equipped to handle the occasion.

Northern Ireland and Ireland face tough away journeys

Northern Ireland open against Portugal, a side they already know well after Portugal beat them twice in Euro 2025 qualifying. That history makes the tie even harder, but it also removes any mystery from the task.

If Northern Ireland advance, Iceland could await in round two. Iceland’s ability to stay compact and frustrate opponents has made them one of the more difficult teams to break down in European football, including against England this year.

The Republic of Ireland also have plenty to do. Carla Ward’s side travel first to Kazakhstan, in a 3,100-mile journey that adds logistical strain before the football even begins. If they survive that tie, Belgium could be next.

That would create a demanding path, but Ireland’s qualifying campaign showed they can compete when organised and motivated. Ward has insisted the squad are fully focused on the task ahead, and the away trip alone will test that concentration from the opening whistle.

Why the next week matters so much

Across the home nations, the mood is a mix of optimism and danger. England are expected to progress, Wales and Scotland are looking to seize momentum, and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland face heavyweight tests that will demand resilience and belief.

The stakes are simple: win now, or wait another cycle. For players, coaches and supporters, these ties are about more than qualification; they are a chance to put women’s football from across the home nations on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

By the end of the play-offs, the picture will be much clearer. For now, all five nations know the same thing: the route is difficult, but the destination is still within reach.