Spain and England renew women’s soccer rivalry in 2027 World Cup qualifying group

Spain and England will renew their great rivalry in women’s soccer in a qualifying group for the 2027 World Cup.

Defending world champion Spain and European champion England were joined by Iceland and Ukraine when UEFA made the qualifying groups draw on Tuesday.

Spain beat England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, and England beat Spain in the Euro 2025 final to retain its title in July.

They also met twice in the first half of this year, trading home wins in a UEFA Nations League group that Spain topped.

Only the group winner next June will advance direct to the 32-team Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Four automatic places are on offer to the winners of four groups in top-tier League A. Seven more qualifiers will advance through playoffs next year, and one more European team will have a chance in intercontinental playoffs scheduled in February