After the Euro 2025 finals, England and Spain went against each other on the third day of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026. On Tuesday, April 14, the Lionesses proved decisive over Spain, defeating them by 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. The victory has put them a step closer to the World Cup qualification.
Manchester City striker Lauren Hemp made the breakthrough for England with the first goal. Hemp got the ball from a corner in the six-yard box and struck it into the net, giving her team the lead. Meanwhile, Spain tried their best to equalise immediately, but almost conceded another goal in the process when a shot from Hemp struck the outside of the post.
The visitors nearly equalised after the restart, but Olga Carmona’s shot could not result in a goal, and it bounced back from the crossbar. The game was a thrilling event with high-intense action and exchange of attacks. Both teams created excellent chances for both sides.
During the closing stages, England faced intense pressure, but Spain missed its opportunities through Olga Carmona, Edna Imade and Vicky Lopez. In return, the reigning European champions got the upper hand in the game. Hemp could have got her second, but she was only able to find the post. Spain’s Imade once again made her attempt this time from a corner, but the Bayern Munich forward got denied by the England goalkeeper from point-blank range.
England was dominant to add a second goal soon with close attempts from Lucia Kendall, Lauren James, Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo. Spain got one shot on target, but it resulted in nothing. But it ended in them earning a direct World Cup qualification.
With the win, England are now on three points to get to the top of Group A3 ahead of Spain. The teams finishing at the top of the group will automatically qualify for the Brazil World Cup in Brazil, while the runner-ups will head into the play-offs.
The Lionesses will play their second qualifier in Iceland on Saturday, April 18. Spain, on the other hand, will face Ukraine in Cordoba.
