Germany qualify, Spain roll past England, Republic of Ireland edge Netherlands
UEFA qualifying for the returned with Germany punching their ticket thanks to a 2-0 win over Norway on matchday five. The Republic of Ireland stunned the Netherlands in a five-goal thriller that gives them a shot at automatic qualification when they face France on matchday six. Elsewhere, England suffered a 4-0 defeat to Spain. Austria, France, Iceland and Italy also came out on top.
Only the group winners in League A will qualify for the global finals in this first phase of qualifying. Between October and December 2026, 32 teams will compete in the play-offs for seven more direct World Cup tickets, with another team hoping to qualify in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Italy goals: Bergamaschi (61), Caruso (81), Bonansea (88)
Italy's goalless draw with Denmark was hanging heavy as they went up against Serbia. It was an even contest at the Arena Garibaldi but neither side could find the decisive goal in the opening 45 minutes. However, the Italians did find the net in the second period through a header from defender Valentina Bergamaschi.
Two late goals in the last ten minutes of the game from Arianna Caruso and substitute Barbara Bonansea put a shine on the scoreline for the Azzurre.
Denmark goals: Floe (25), Harder (65) Sweden goals: Rytting Kaneryd (52)
Sweden and Denmark went head-to-head as they battled for top spot in Group A1, alongside Italy after their earlier win over Serbia. The Swedes came close to opening the scoring in the first ten minutes of the match, but the attempt came back off of the woodwork.
It was Denmark, however, who did find the back of the net first in Odense, midway through the half when Cecilie Floe struck for the Danes. Sweden equalised shortly after the break through forward Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Denmark retook the lead with striker Pernille Harder scoring four minutes after replacing Amailie Vangsgaard to earn the victory.
France goals: Malard (47), Baltimore (55)
France went into this match looking for all three points after the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in their last outing. The away side put themselves into the lead moments after the restart, after the first half ended goalless. Sakini Karchaoui launched the ball deep for Melvine Malard to latch onto, and she slotted the ball into the net.
French forward Sandy Baltimore doubled their lead midway through the second half to secure the victory and place France top of Group A2.
Republic of Ireland goals: Kyra Carusa (19) Larkin (71), Barrett (90) Netherlands goals: Janssen (70), Pelova (81)
It was an end-to-end opening period in a rain-soaked Cork, but it was the home side who took the lead when Kyra Carusa scored her 13th goal for the national side. Abbie Larkin was on hand for the assist as Carla Ward's team struck first against the group leaders. The Netherlands were inches from being level when Lynn Wilms struck from 30 yards, only for the ball to bounce off the crossbar.
The Dutch side did find an equaliser midway through the second half when Dominique Janssen scored from the penalty spot after captain Jackie Groenen was fouled inside the box. The home side restored their lead just two minutes later when Larkin struck at the back post.
However, a defensive lapse inside the box allowed for a second Netherlands equaliser with Pelova hitting a left-footed effort from 12 yards into the bottom corner. The match looked likely to end as a draw but Amber Barratt poked the ball into the net at the back post late in stoppage time to give the Republic of Ireland a stunning win. The home side finished the match with ten players after Leanne Kiernan was sent off for a second yellow card.
Iceland looked like they were out for redemption after the 1-0 defeat to England on matchday four as they dominated proceedings against Ukraine in the early stages. Hildur Antonsdottir was twice denied by the post before Thelma Palmadottir opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Ukraine couldn't find a leveller, allowing third-place Iceland to pick up the victory in Stadion Miejski.
Spain goals: Guijarro (19), Putellas (37,55), Pina (78)
Spain came into the qualifier against England on a high after the 5-0 demolition of Ukraine in the last camp. And they picked up where they left off when Patri Guijarro was allowed to advance through the Lionesses midfield before firing the ball home from range.
Alexia Putellas was on hand to lash the ball past Hannah Hampton to give Spain a commanding 2-0 lead before half time. The attacker scored her second of the match and Spain's third in the second half. Claudia Pina finished off the scoring rout to give Spain a 4-0 victory and ensure England wouldn't be qualifying automatically on matchday five.
Austria failed to score in their previous match, when they played out a goalless draw with Germany and despite their early domination against Slovenia, they couldn't find the net in the opening half. Ten minutes into the second period, the home side did edge in front with a strike from defender Katharina Naschenweng.
Slovenia pushed for an equaliser and came close in stoppage time through Izabela Krizaj, but she was denied by the woodwork giving Austria the win.
Germany goals: Muller (18), Wamser (27)
Two-time winners Germany have qualified for Brazil 2027 after downing Norway. The Germans couldn't find the net in their previous qualifier when the drew 0-0 with Austria. But the goals came quickly against Norway with the home side racing into a 2-0 lead in the first half. Marie Muller found the net on her debut, with Carlotta Wamser doubling Germany's lead in Cologne.
Norway couldn't find a way back into the game as Germany saw things out.
"These are the most difficult matches. You have the obligation to win, which adds to the responsibilities that the Italian jersey already brings. There are many phases of the match, I'm fortunate to have so many top-level players with different characteristics. The only goal was to win, it allows us to go to Sweden to play in the final. We started slowly but we've been improving". Andrea Soncin, Italy coach
"It was our big goal and we knew that this was the first chance we had to put things beyond doubt, and that's what we did today. You have to remember that Norway are a top nation. It wasn't an easy game today and I'm proud of the team. We didn't concede, even though we were a little lucky at times." Christian Wück, Germany coach
Sources: FIFA Official
