England close in on 2026 World Cup spot with Spain clash

England need just a win or draw against Spain to secure their place at the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

England's path to qualification England can book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals in Brazil with a non-losing result against Spain on Friday at 20:00 BST. The Lionesses travel to Mallorca to face the reigning world champions in their second-to-last qualifying match. Sarina Wiegman’s side currently sit top of Group A3 with four wins from four matches, holding a three-point lead. A victory or draw on Friday would make England the first home nation to qualify directly, leaving Spain to rely on the play-offs. ## Tournament details and stadiums The 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil will feature 32 teams and run from 24 June to 25 July. Eight stadiums, all previously used for the 2014 men's finals, will host the matches across the host nation. ## Ireland's chance for history The Republic of Ireland have a chance to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time in their history. They currently sit third in their group but control their destiny with two upcoming matches. A win over the Netherlands on Friday at 19:30 in Cork and another victory in France on Tuesday at 20:00 would secure their spot. Ireland have previously qualified just once, in 2023. ## Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland's scenarios Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all in League B, can at best secure a play-off berth. Scotland lead their group and face Israel on Friday at 17:00 and Tuesday at 18:00, needing a strong finish to maintain their position. Wales sit second behind the Czech Republic on goal difference and face Montenegro on Friday at 17:00 before hosting the Czechs on Tuesday at 18:00. Northern Ireland need at least a draw in Turkey on Friday at 18:00 and at home to Switzerland on Tuesday at 18:00 to secure their play-off place. ## Denmark and Germany in tight races Denmark top Group A1 by one point over Sweden and three over Italy ahead of the final two matches. A win against Sweden on Friday at 19:15 could secure their spot if Italy fail to win against Serbia on Friday at 19:00. Sweden could overtake Denmark with a victory in their final group game. In Group A4, Germany lead Norway by one point and face a decisive match against them on Friday at 19:35 in Cologne. If Germany win, they will likely advance, while Norway must also perform well to keep hopes alive. ## Eight teams already qualified Eight teams have already secured their place at the 2026 Women's World Cup. Brazil earned automatic qualification as hosts in 2024. Australia, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and the Philippines qualified through the Women's Asia Cup. New Zealand dominated Oceania qualifying to book their spot in Brazil. ## England Women's Football Team update The England Women's Football Team remains in strong contention for the 2026 World Cup finals, with a chance to make history as the first home nation to qualify directly.