World Cup Qualification UEFA news

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is confident that the topic of her future with the team will not be a distraction as England begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Wiegman, who has overseen back-to-back European Championship triumphs with the Lionesses, is under contract until the end of next year's tournament and says there is "no update" on any renewal, but that it is not a situation that she believes is concerning her staff or players right now.

Hannah Hampton, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Lauren James are all back in the England squad after missing the Lionesses' final camp of 2025 due to injury, dealing Sarina Wiegman's side a real boost as they cope with some new absentees ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. England are without four members of the Euro 2025-winning squad for the upcoming window, including Ella Toone and Beth Mead.

Lionesses star Ella Toone is "probably" going to miss Manchester United's League Cup final clash with Chelsea next month, Red Devils boss Marc Skinner has admitted. The England international has not played since December because of a hip issue and it is unlikely that she is going to recover in time for the showpiece event, meaning she is all-but-ruled out of the Lionesses first camp of 2026, too.

Ella Toone will miss both legs of Manchester United's Champions League play-off clash with Atletico Madrid this month and she is also unlikely to be included in the next England squad, ahead of the Lionesses' 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign beginning against Ukraine in March. The midfielder is recovering from a hip issue that has sidelined her since December.

The six remaining places at the 2026 World Cup will be decided through two play-off tournaments, featuring the likes of Italy, Poland, Jamaica and DR Congo, among others.

There are a few surprises in the mix for the European play-offs, with a total of 16 teams set to battle it out for just four spots.

Turkey’s national team reported over €300,000 worth of jewellery missing from their dressing room after the 2-2 draw against Spain in Seville, triggering a police investigation. A luxury watch and two rings vanished from La Cartuja before being recovered. At least one arrest has been made as authorities work to uncover how the theft took place.

There were emotional scenes at Hampden Park after Scotland secured their qualification for next year's World Cup and it was a particularly poignant moment for Andy Robertson, who took time after the match to pay tribute to late Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who lost his life in a tragic car accident in Spain earlier this year.

England and Spain will renew rivalries in April 2026, less than a year after their Euro 2025 showdown. The Lionesses successfully defended their continental crown in Switzerland as they avenged their 2023 World Cup final loss to La Roja, winning 3-1 on penalties. Now the pair will face off at Wembley in a 2027 World Cup qualifier as Spain look to retain that trophy in Brazil in two years' time.

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his full belief that Cristiano Ronaldo will achieve the incredible 1,000-goal milestone before hanging up his boots. The Brazil coach reflected on his time at Real Madrid and lauded the professionalism of Ronaldo, comparing him to Luka Modric. The Italian tactician even joked that he expects an invitation to celebrate with his former player when the record is broken.

Barcelona have issued a firm response to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after claims they failed to inform national team doctors about Lamine Yamal’s radiofrequency treatment. The club insist they acted “immediately and responsibly,” as tensions reignite between Hansi Flick’s side and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente over the teenager’s management.

Midfielder Marc Bernal is reportedly weighing up whether to seek a move away from Barcelona in January as he looks to earn more playing time this season. The 18-year-old has made just four appearances for the Spanish giants following his return from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which saw him miss the majority of the 2024-25 campaign.

Leroy Sane has returned to the Germany squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia, with Julian Nagelsmann also handing a shock first senior call-up to Koln’s breakout talent Said El Mala. The national coach says Sane has “earned his nomination” after previously casting doubt on his future with the national team due to his summer transfer to Galatasaray.

England boss Thomas Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry have opted to skip the chance to watch Jude Bellingham in action for Real Madrid against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League in another blow to the 22-year-old just days before the latest England squad is announced. Bellingham was omitted from Tuchel's most recent squad and will have to wait and see if he's done enough to earn a recall.