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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterThe 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.But with only one automatic qualification spot up for grabs and a complicated qualification structure for teams to make it to the World Cup, does this mean we might not see Spain there to defend their title?Article continues below You may like How to watch England vs Spain: Free streams and TV details for Lionesses' World Cup qualifier Everything you need to know about the Lionesses' World Cup qualifiers How to watch England vs Iceland in Women's World Cup qualifying Could 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 finidhing top of the group will automatically qualify, with all other sides forced to navigate a play-off route.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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.Swipe to scroll horizontallyGroup A3Row 0 - Cell 0 PlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainstGoal DifferencePointsEngland33009189Spain32016246Iceland310215-43Ukraine3003210-80However, 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. What to read next How to watch Ukraine vs England: live streams and TV details for Lionesses' first World Cup qualifier Spain World Cup 2026 squad: Luis de la Fuente's latest selection ahead of the World Cup draw World Cup 2026 Playoffs: The complete guide 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 FIFAs intercontinental play-offs.Spain would still be strong favourites to progress, but as we know with knockout football, nothing is guaranteed.Ayisha GulatiWomen's Football WriterAyisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international womens football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.
