2027 World Cup qualifying results
England earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Greece in Geneva, taking another important step towards qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The result keeps the Lionesses firmly on track in their qualification campaign.
Elsewhere, Northern Ireland suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Portugal, while Wales were beaten 3-1 by France. Republic of Ireland recorded a comfortable 4-0 win over Ukraine, and Switzerland secured a narrow 3-2 victory.
Recent form across the home nations
Northern Ireland's recent run of results highlights their current struggles, following a 0-0 draw against Georgia on 5 October 2026, a 3-0 away win against Ukraine on 2 October 2026, and a 0-0 draw against Finland on 28 September 2026.
Meanwhile, Scotland have faced severe challenges of their own, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia on 6 October 2026, claiming a 2-0 away victory over North Macedonia on 3 October 2026, and falling to a 3-0 loss against Switzerland on 29 September 2026.
Tactical balance and general performance
England adopted a balanced attacking style, utilizing effective midfield positioning and swift transitions. Against Greece, they maintained a disciplined structure to safeguard their lead while prioritizing solid defensive movement.
Across the qualifying groups, performance levels have varied significantly, proving that tactical discipline and consistency will be paramount for nations hoping to progress to the tournament proper.
Looking ahead to key dates
With this round of qualifying fixtures wrapped up, qualified teams will now turn their attention to preparation camps ahead of the World Cup year, with tournament action scheduled to resume in February 2027. UEFA will also oversee the final playoff rounds for sides still seeking qualification.
The upcoming windows present a demanding schedule where managing player fitness and preparation will be crucial to securing results when international football returns.
Original source: The Guardian
