Will England Triumph Over Spain in the Upcoming World Cup Qualifier at Wembley?

England's recent victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final, winning 3-1 on penalties, sets the stage for an exciting rematch at Wembley as they prepare to face the world champions in a qualifying match for the 2027 Women's World Cup. This upcoming encounter is particularly significant for the Lionesses, as Spain had previously defeated them in the 2023 World Cup final. With the match scheduled for 14 April 2026, anticipation is high for what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The England women's football team is gearing up for a crucial 2027 Women's World Cup qualifier against Spain after their impressive performance in the Euro 2025 final. The match at Wembley will be a significant opportunity for the Lionesses to assert their dominance on home soil, especially after their triumph in the recent Euro championship. With the stakes high, the team is focused on securing a spot in the World Cup, which will take place in Brazil.

Key takeaways

• England defeated Spain in the Euro 2025 final to retain their title.
• The Lionesses will host Spain at Wembley for a World Cup qualifier on 14 April 2026.
• England aims to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, facing tough competition in their qualifying group.

Timeline: how we got here

The road to the upcoming World Cup qualifier has been filled with significant milestones:

• August 2023: Spain defeats England in the 2023 World Cup final.
• July 2025: England wins the Euro 2025 final against Spain, retaining their European title.
• October 2023: Announcement of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the match against Spain at Wembley.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of the fixture on 14 April 2026 marks a pivotal moment for England's women's football, allowing fans to anticipate a rematch against Spain, who are regarded as one of the top teams globally. This match will be an opportunity for the Lionesses to demonstrate their progress since the Euro victory.

What was already established

Spain's victory over England in the 2023 World Cup final solidified their status as formidable opponents. However, England's subsequent victory in Euro 2025 has reignited confidence within the squad, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive qualifying campaign for the upcoming World Cup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The match at Wembley will attract significant attention from fans across the UK, likely leading to increased ticket sales and heightened interest in women's football. This, in turn, could stimulate local economies as supporters travel to London for the event.

Businesses and jobs

With increased attendance at women's football matches, local businesses in hospitality and retail are expected to benefit. Furthermore, the growing popularity of women’s football can lead to more job opportunities within clubs and associated organisations.

Policy and regulation

The FA and relevant sports bodies are likely to focus on promoting women's football, which may result in increased funding and support for grassroots initiatives aimed at nurturing future talent. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance gender equality in sports.

Numbers that matter

• 3-1: England's penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final.
• 4: The number of group winners in League A that will automatically qualify for the World Cup finals.
• 2: The number of home games England will play in the lead-up to the World Cup qualifier against Spain.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Euro 2025: The UEFA Women's Euro football championship held in 2025, where England emerged as the champions.
• World Cup qualifier: Matches held to determine which teams will qualify for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• League A: The top tier in the qualifying format for the World Cup, where the strongest teams compete.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

England will focus on training and preparation for their upcoming matches against Ukraine and Iceland before facing Spain. This period is crucial for building team cohesion and strategy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the qualifying matches progress, England will need to monitor their performance closely. Winning the group is essential for direct qualification to the World Cup, emphasising the importance of each match in this period.

Signals to watch

• Match results against Ukraine and Iceland in March 2026.
• Fan attendance and engagement at the Wembley match against Spain.
• Player performance metrics and injuries leading up to the qualifiers.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the Lionesses by attending matches and promoting women's football in your community.
• Stay informed about fixture changes and ticket sales for upcoming games.

Don’t

• Underestimate the competition; Spain will be a formidable opponent.
• Neglect the importance of the qualifying matches; each game is vital for World Cup aspirations.

Checklist

• Confirm your attendance for the Spain match at Wembley.
• Follow the Lionesses' journey through the qualifiers.
• Engage with community events supporting women's football.
• Track player performances and updates from the squad.
• Plan travel arrangements for the matches in March and April.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While England's recent successes bolster confidence, the team must remain cautious. Spain's squad is filled with talent, and their experience from previous tournaments will be a significant factor. Additionally, the dynamics of competitive football can shift rapidly, with injuries or form fluctuations potentially impacting outcomes.

Bottom line

England's victory in the Euro 2025 final has set a promising tone as they prepare to face Spain again in a critical World Cup qualifier. With a strong focus on qualification, the Lionesses aim to leverage their recent success to build momentum, making every match count on the road to Brazil.

FAQs

When will England play Spain in the World Cup qualifier?

England will play Spain on 14 April 2026 at Wembley Stadium.

What is the significance of the upcoming match?

The match is crucial for World Cup qualification, following England's recent victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final.

How does the qualification format work for the World Cup?

The qualification format involves groups, with only the four group winners in League A automatically qualifying for the World Cup finals.