England drawn against Greece in Women's World Cup 2027 play-off first round

England’s Lionesses will open their Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification play-off campaign against Greece in October, after the draw confirmed their path to the finals in Brazil. Sarina Wiegman’s side must win two rounds of home-and-away ties to secure one of UEFA’s seven remaining places at the tournament.

England were pushed into the play-offs despite winning five of their six qualifying group games. Reigning world champions Spain claimed the automatic qualification spot from the group, leaving England to take the longer route.

Should England overcome Greece, they would face the winner of Slovakia versus Ukraine in the second round, scheduled for November and December. England, along with the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, are all set to host their second-leg fixtures in that round.

The other home nations also learned their first-round opponents. The Republic of Ireland will face Kazakhstan, Wales have been drawn against Albania, Scotland will take on the Czech Republic, and Northern Ireland face a tie against Portugal.

Seven of UEFA’s eight World Cup places will be decided through the play-off rounds, with the first-round fixtures taking place in October before the second round concludes the process in November and December.