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The Lionesses continued a perfect start to their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign with an incredible 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley Stadium.
On Tuesday night, the European champions fought hard to hold on to a one-goal lead and their victory over the world champions put England in the driving seat of this qualifying group.
Article continues belowCould Spain miss out on World Cup 2027?
Spain famously beat England in Sydney in the final of the World Cup 2023, but England came out on top last summer in Switzerland at Euro 2025.
Spain and England find themselves in the same qualification group, alongside Iceland and Ukraine.
For European nations aiming to reach the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, teams have been split into three leagues: League A (16 teams), League B (16 teams) and League C (21 teams).
Crucially, in League A, only the team finishing top of the group will automatically qualify, with all other sides forced to navigate a play-off route.
England and Spain are in Group A3, meaning two of Europe's strongest sides and the finalists of last summer's Euros are competing for just one guaranteed place.
At the halfway stage after three matches, England hold the advantage. Their 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium, combined with a superior goal difference (+4) puts them at the top of the table.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Goal Difference | Points |
England | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9 |
Spain | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
Iceland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
Ukraine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 0 |
However, a decisive fixture awaits in Spain in June. A draw there could be enough for England, provided they take maximum points from their remaining matches against Iceland and Ukraine.
Even an England loss could see the Lionesses qualify if they maintain a superior goal difference.
What happens next?
If the standings remain as they are, Spain would miss out on automatic qualification and instead enter the play-offs.
All teams in League A that do not top their group (12) will be placed into this route, creating a competitive field with a lot on the line.
They will be joined by the top three teams from each League B group (12), as well as the six League C group winners and the two best runners-up.
That means a total of 32 teams will battle it out in the play-offs for the remaining qualification spots.
With UEFA allocated 11 places at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, there will only be seven spots available through this route, with one additional place potentially available via FIFA’s intercontinental play-offs.
Spain would still be strong favourites to progress, but as we know with knockout football, nothing is guaranteed.
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