The race for qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 intensified across Europe on Friday, with Germany becoming the first European nation to officially book their place at the tournament in Brazil, while reigning world champions Spain produced a commanding performance to dismantle England 4-0 in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the qualifying campaign.
With only one round of matches remaining in the UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, several groups remain finely balanced. However, Germany ensured there would be no final day drama in Group A4 after defeating Norway 2-0 in Cologne and opening up an unassailable four point lead at the top of the standings. The victory confirmed Germany’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup, making them the first European side to secure a direct berth through the qualifiers.
Germany took control of the contest early and never looked in danger against a Norwegian side that needed a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. Goals in the first half proved enough for the eight time European champions, who have maintained a perfect record throughout the campaign and will now head into their final group fixture against Slovenia with qualification already secured.
While Germany celebrated qualification, the spotlight elsewhere fell on Mallorca, where Spain delivered a stunning display against European champions England. Entering the match level on points in Group A3, England knew a positive result would significantly strengthen their chances of automatic qualification. Instead, they were overwhelmed by a Spanish side operating at its brilliant best.
Patri Guijarro opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Alexia Putellas doubled Spain’s advantage before halftime. The two time Ballon d’Or winner struck again ten minutes after the restart to put the result beyond doubt. Claudia Pina then added a fourth goal following a superb assist from Aitana Bonmati, completing a dominant evening for the reigning world champions.
Spain controlled possession for long periods and created numerous opportunities, registering far more attempts on goal than England. The defeat was England’s heaviest under manager Sarina Wiegman and leaves the Lionesses facing a nervous final matchday. Both Spain and England sit on 12 points in Group A3, but Spain’s superior head to head record and goal difference place them in pole position to secure automatic qualification. England must now defeat Ukraine and hope Spain drop points away to Iceland.
Elsewhere, Group A2 produced one of the most dramatic results of the round. Ireland claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Amber Barrett’s 90th minute winner. The result lifted Ireland above the Dutch into second place, just one point behind group leaders France. France strengthened their position at the summit with a professional 2-0 victory over Poland and remain favourites to secure the automatic qualification spot heading into the final round of fixtures.
In Group A1, Denmark boosted their qualification hopes after defeating Sweden 2-1 in a fiercely contested Scandinavian clash. Pernille Harder came off the bench to score the decisive goal and end Sweden’s hopes of qualifying directly for the World Cup. Denmark now lead the group on 11 points and will face bottom placed Serbia in their final qualifier. Italy remains in contention after their victory over Serbia and trail the Danes by three points ahead of their crucial meeting with Sweden.
The UEFA qualification format awards direct World Cup places to the winners of the four League A groups, while other teams will enter a playoff route later this year. With three automatic spots still undecided, the final round of European qualifiers promises a dramatic finish as nations battle for a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
