World Cup Qualification UEFA Overview

It was all there for England on Friday, as they faced Spain in Mallorca with automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the line. Avoid defeat and the Lionesses would punch their ticket to Brazil, forcing one of their biggest rivals for next summer’s title to have to navigate the play-offs. It was a huge opportunity, but one they spurned in incredible circumstances, suffering a 4-0 loss that stands out as the biggest for this team under Sarina Wiegman.

England are on the brink of having to navigate the play-off route in Women's World Cup qualifying after a 4-0 defeat to Spain, the Lionesses' worst result under Sarina Wiegman, put La Roja in pole position for the group's one automatic berth instead. England flew to Mallorca knowing that a draw would be enough to secure their spot at the tournament in Brazil next summer but goals from Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina saw them leapfrogged in the table by their hosts, with one game to go.

A quick scroll through the Spain squad to face England in a crucial Women's World Cup qualifier on Friday and there is one team represented more than any other: Barcelona. Eleven of the 25 names selected by Sonia Bermudez are based in Catalunya, with La Roja able to tap into that familiarity in a very impactful way over the years. But a lot is going to change at Barca this summer.

England have received a significant injury boost ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Spain, with Sarina Wiegman confirming that Lauren James is fit and ready to feature. The Lionesses travel to Mallorca knowing that avoiding defeat will officially punch their ticket to the 2027 tournament in Brazil with over a year to spare.