UEFA Play-offs: Overview of All Matches for 2027 World Cup Qualification

The draw held on June 18, 2026, in Nyon has determined the matchups for both rounds of the European play-offs leading to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The matches will take place during the international windows in October (October 7-13) and November/December (November 26-December 5). A total of seven World Cup spots will be awarded for Brazil, along with one place in the intercontinental play-offs. The draw was conducted by former England international Anita Asante.

Play-off Round 1: Path 1

Teams from League A seeded, second leg at home

• Lithuania vs. Sweden
• Romania vs. Norway
• Greece vs. England
• Croatia vs. Iceland
• Kazakhstan vs. Republic of Ireland
• Kosovo vs. Austria
• Hungary vs. Netherlands
• Belarus vs. Italy

Play-off Round 1: Path 2

Fourth-placed teams from League A and League B group winners seeded, second leg at home

• Albania vs. Wales
• Turkey vs. Slovenia
• Slovakia vs. Ukraine
• Israel vs. Switzerland
• Belgium vs. Poland
• Czech Republic vs. Scotland
• Northern Ireland vs. Portugal
• Finland vs. Serbia

One of the most balanced matchups appears to be between Belgium and Poland, featuring two prolific forwards: Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan) and Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona). Wullaert boasts an impressive record of 105 goals in 158 international appearances, and she recently secured her sixth Golden Shoe award, recognizing her as the best Belgian female footballer of the year, regardless of her league. In contrast, Pajor, a former Wolfsburg player and current Champions League winner, has netted 71 goals in 110 caps, achieving significant success in club football.

Round 2

Teams from Path 1 seeded, second leg at home

• Winner of Slovakia/Ukraine vs. Winner of Greece/England
• Winner of Finland/Serbia vs. Winner of Belarus/Italy
• Winner of Northern Ireland/Portugal vs. Winner of Croatia/Iceland
• Winner of Albania/Wales vs. Winner of Romania/Norway
• Winner of Israel/Switzerland vs. Winner of Kosovo/Austria
• Winner of Czech Republic/Scotland vs. Winner of Lithuania/Sweden
• Winner of Belgium/Poland vs. Winner of Kazakhstan/Republic of Ireland
• Winner of Turkey/Slovenia vs. Winner of Hungary/Netherlands

Insights and Reactions

Should the favorites progress as expected in the first round, several exciting encounters could arise in the second round, including potential clashes between Portugal and Iceland, as well as Switzerland and Austria. The winner of the Belgium-Poland matchup will face Ireland.

Austria's new head coach Lars Søndergaard commented on facing Kosovo, stating, "We meet a relatively young football nation, but we must not underestimate them. They topped their group ahead of Croatia, which is a strong achievement. We have great respect for the Kosovars and will take them very seriously. I still believe we go into the games as favorites. In the second round, we would face a tough draw, regardless of whether Israel or Switzerland come through. A neighboring duel with Switzerland would certainly be appealing. Those would be two balanced matches. With their strong performances lately, especially at the home EURO, the Swiss have reignited great enthusiasm for women's football in their country. However, we will focus on the matches against Kosovo first and see who awaits us next."

Meanwhile, the title contenders from England seem to have a relatively easier path. The current qualification format has faced criticism, particularly after it became clear that there was no way to surpass Spain in their group. Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment, saying, "What disappoints me a bit is that we win five games, have 15 points, are in a group with the European champions, and still cannot qualify directly."

Anita Asante, when asked about her top three favorites for the World Cup, included Spain and England, along with Germany's national team under coach Christian Wück. Outside of Europe, she mentioned the USA and Japan as contenders, but ultimately backed England for the title.

How the Format Works

Germany, Denmark, France, and Spain have already qualified directly for Brazil as the group winners of League A. The remaining 32 European teams will compete in two play-off rounds for seven additional direct tickets and one spot in the intercontinental play-offs.

In Round 1, the paths are divided: in Path 1, the second and third-placed teams from League A face group winners and the two best second-placed teams from League C, with League A teams seeded. In Path 2, the fourth-placed teams from League A and League B group winners face the second and third-placed teams from League B, with League A teams and League B group winners also seeded. The seeded teams will play the second leg at home.

In Round 2, all 16 winners from the first round will be drawn together, with teams from Path 1 seeded and having home advantage in the second leg. The team with the lowest ranking after both rounds will enter the intercontinental play-offs.