World Cup Qualification UEFA news

Spain's devastation after defeat in last summer's European Championship final was palpable. There is perhaps no crueller way to lose than on penalties and that theory was backed up by the heartbreak on show by La Roja's players and staff after England fought back to take the game in Basel to extra time and then defeat the world champions 3-1 via spot-kicks. "Very cruel," was how Aitana Bonmati, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner, put it. "It will hurt for some time."

When England's Under-23s took on Norway back in November, there was no shortage of top talent on show. Be it Ruby Mace or Maisie Symonds, who have both been involved in Sarina Wiegman's senior team; Gracie Prior, a starter in seven of the first nine games of the season for Women's Super League leaders Manchester City; or Martine Fenger on the opposite side, the teenage forward who made her Barcelona debut earlier that month. And yet it was 17-year-old Erica Parkinson, a player some five years younger than some of those involved, who stood out most.

Next week, at Wembley Stadium, the two best national teams in European women's football will meet once more as England, winners of the last two European Championship titles, welcome Spain, the reigning world champions. It'll be their sixth competitive encounter in less than four years and it again brings with it huge stakes as the two bid for the one automatic qualification spot from their group for next summer's World Cup. That England could be without their captain, Leah Williamson, then, is a huge blow.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has been forced to rejig her squad slightly ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland next week, after an injury withdrawal. The England manager has taken the opportunity to hand out another maiden call-up while also strengthening her squad with a further body, by adding Chelsea full-back Niamh Charles following her strong return to action after three months out.

England could be without captain Leah Williamson next week for the huge World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley, after the Arsenal defender was again not involved for her club at the weekend. Williamson watched from the sidelines as the Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup, suffering a shock defeat to Brighton, and there is real doubt over whether she will be fit enough to join the Lionesses' camp this week as a result.

Doubts surround Iran's participation in the World Cup

Switzerland national team coach Rafel Navarro has been forced to shuffle his pack ahead of the upcoming international break following the news that Alisha Lehmann will be unavailable for selection. Lehmann will miss the crucial upcoming fixtures as she stays behind to undergo treatment for a fitness issue. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed the news on Saturday.

England's squad announcement on Tuesday morning brought with it a real surprise, as Erica Parkinson received her first senior call-up at the age of 17 ahead of World Cup qualifiers with Iceland and, crucially, world champions Spain. Parkinson will be a new name to many Lionesses fans and Sarina Wiegman has now explained why she chose to hand the teenager an invite that left her "speechless".

Leah Williamson has been named in the latest Lionesses squad despite missing all of Arsenal's last three games, with Sarina Wiegman clearly hopeful that the England captain will be fit to face world champions Spain in a crucial World Cup qualifier next month. Williamson has been dealing with a hamstring issue but it will be a major boost for the Lionesses if she is able to recover for the April international break.

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.

Dzeko's national team knocked Wales out on penalties; they are the Azzurri's final opponents on the road to the World Cup

Lionesses star Ella Toone is not expected to return from injury until after the April international break, dealing a significant blow to both England and Man Utd. It's a delay that means the playmaking midfielder will miss United's upcoming games with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, as well as the Lionesses' crucial clash with Spain in World Cup qualifying.

An update on the matches that will complete the group stage line-up for Canada, Mexico and the USA 2026

The World Cup serves as a barometer of Italy’s financial health: let’s look at the potential revenue and losses depending on whether or not they qualify for the tournament