How England Can Still Qualify for the Women's World Cup

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With the Women’s World Cup looming next summer, countdowns to Brazil are well underway. Yet, in a twist that highlights the tough competition, reigning European champions England are still fighting to secure their qualification.

Group A3 came down to a battle with world champions Spain. Following a 4-0 defeat to the Spanish side, the Lionesses finished second overall, wrapping up the campaign with a 3-0 home victory over Ukraine as Spain sealed top spot with a 6-1 win against Iceland.

How the Lionesses can still make it

Although they failed to secure direct qualification, England's World Cup dreams remain alive through the play-offs. Split into two brackets, Path 1 matches top-tier sides against League C opponents, while Path 2 features mid-tier clashes between Leagues A and B.

Being placed in Path 1 means England will face Greece over two legs, home and away.

First Leg (Away): Friday, October 9 at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Crete (kickoff at 5:30 PM BST). You can purchase tickets here.

Second Leg (Home): Tuesday, October 13 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester (kickoff at 7:30 PM BST). You can purchase tickets here.

After Greece

To advance further, England must first get past Greece in this opening round. If they win, the Lionesses will move on to the final round of the play-offs, where they will face the winner of the tie between Slovakia and Ukraine for a spot in Brazil.

No more chances

The stakes couldn't be higher for the Lionesses. Because these play-offs operate in a knockout format, there are no safety nets or second chances. A defeat against either Greece in Round 1 or the winner of Slovakia and Ukraine in Round 2 means England would be immediately eliminated, ending their hopes of reaching the World Cup in Brazil.

Credit: FIFA