England's women's football team is set to clash with Greece in the first leg of their Women's World Cup 2027 play-off on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Pankritio Stadium in Crete. The reigning European champions, who finished second in their qualifying group behind Spain, are heavy favorites to secure a spot in the tournament next summer in Brazil.
Why it matters: This match is a must-win for England as they navigate the play-offs to qualify for the Women's World Cup. With Greece ranked 59th in FIFA rankings and never having qualified for a major tournament, the stakes are high for both teams.
- England's performance in this two-legged tie will determine their qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
- The Lionesses are unbeaten in their last 41 fixtures against new opponents, winning 34 of those matches.
- Greece, having topped their qualifying group, seeks to make history by qualifying for their first major tournament.
Driving the news: The match kicks off at 5:30 PM BST, with live coverage available on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game online via ITVX and STV Player. This marks the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations in women's football.
- England's squad includes Grace Clinton and six Manchester City teammates, highlighting their strong roster.
- Captain Leah Williamson returns after injury, adding experience to the squad.
- England's head coach Sarina Wiegman has made strategic selections to bolster the team's chances.
State of play: England's path to the World Cup has been challenging; they were forced into play-offs after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Spain. The Opta supercomputer gives England an 85.1% chance of winning this match, underscoring their status as favorites.
- Wiegman emphasized the importance of starting strong, noting that England has won 51 of their 58 matches when scoring first.
- Greece remains a formidable opponent, having won all four of their qualifying matches against Georgia and the Faroe Islands.
- England has historically performed well against teams they have faced for the first time, raising expectations for their performance against Greece.
The big picture: If England secures victory over Greece, they will advance to face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the final round of play-offs later this year. This is a key moment for the Lionesses, who aim to bounce back from their recent defeat and solidify their position as one of Europe's top teams.
- The return leg will take place at King Power Stadium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:30 PM BST.
- With a total of 32 teams qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup, every match counts significantly.
- England's loss to Spain was their largest defeat since 2009, making this play-off a chance for redemption.
What they're saying: Wiegman expressed confidence in her squad, stating, "We have the talent and depth to succeed in this play-off. Our focus is on taking a strong lead into the second leg."
- Greece's coach Vasilis Spertos acknowledged the challenge, saying, "We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our players are ready to give their best."
- Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Lionesses respond after their previous setback against Spain.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the significance of this match:
- England is ranked 4th in the FIFA rankings, a stark difference from Greece's 59th place.
- The Lionesses' recent form includes two wins out of their last seven away matches, a statistic they aim to improve.
- Greece's perfect record in their qualifying group showcases their potential as underdogs.
What's next: The outcome of this play-off will impact England's World Cup aspirations and set the stage for the future of women's football in both nations.
- If England progresses, they will face the winners of the Slovakia vs. Ukraine tie in November and December.
- The 2027 Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 24 to July 25, 2027, in Brazil.
- Fans are encouraged to tune in for what will likely be an exciting match filled with competitive spirit.