The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil begins June 23, with 18 teams already qualified, leaving 14 spots undecided. At least seven European nations will secure places via the final UEFA qualification stage. The 53-team European qualifying tournament concluded its league phase, determining direct qualifiers and playoff participants.
Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain earned direct qualification, while 32 teams advanced to the playoff phase. The playoffs feature two-legged knockout matches across multiple paths. Notable first-round matchups include Greece vs. England, Sweden vs. Lithuania, and Netherlands vs. Kazakhstan.
The first legs occur Oct. 7, with second legs on Oct. 13. After this round, 16 teams remain. The seven best-ranked winners qualify directly, while the remaining winner enters the interconfederation playoff tournament.
England, Sweden, and the Netherlands remain favorites despite being ranked eighth, 11th, and 12th in FIFA rankings respectively. England, the reigning European champions and 2023 World Cup runners-up, face Greece. Sweden, runners-up in 2003 and 2023, face Lithuania.
The Netherlands, 2019 World Cup runners-up and 2017 European champions, face Kazakhstan. The second round of playoffs is scheduled between Nov. 26 and Dec. 5.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing