\n<\/p>\n
England did not want to go through the play-offs but were given an unkind draw in the qualifying groups when they met world champions Spain.<\/p>\n
It does mean, however, that Sarina Wiegman’s side are in a strong position for the play-offs and will fancy their chances with a kind trip to Greece in October.<\/p>\n
They beat potential round two opponents Ukraine in both matches in the qualifying group stage, which will give them confidence too.<\/p>\n
There is a tricky tie for Northern Ireland, who come up against a talented young squad from Portugal in round one. Portugal twice beat Northern Ireland in Euro 2025 qualifying.<\/p>\n
Their task gets trickier if they make it through to round two with potential opponents Iceland proving to be difficult to break down in their matches against England this year.<\/p>\n
Scotland are hoping to reach just their second Women’s World Cup finals having failed to qualify in 2023.<\/p>\n
They performed well in this year’s qualifying group stages, including draws with Belgium that showed they can compete with Europe’s strongest teams.<\/p>\n
They will need to produce their best in round two if they meet big-hitters Sweden, who have been semi-finalists in the past two Women’s World Cup finals.<\/p>\n
Wales have never beaten a top-20 ranked nation in a competitive fixture and are likely to need to do so to qualify – and their away form needs improvement.<\/p>\n
But Rhian Wilkinson’s side face familiar opponents in round one. They thrashed Albania 4-0 in their qualifying group so who says they can’t do it again?<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, having performed superbly in qualifying, the Republic of Ireland have a tricky play-off route with established European opposition Belgium potentially waiting in round two.<\/p>\n
First, Carla Ward’s side will have to navigate a 3,100-mile trip to Kazakhstan, against relatively unknown opposition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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