Will England Face Ukraine in World Cup Qualifiers at Everton?

England's Lionesses are set to face Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland in their qualifying group for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with an exciting match against Ukraine scheduled at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June. This event marks a significant moment for women's football in England as the Lionesses will be the first England team to play at this new venue.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Lionesses are gearing up for an important qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup, facing stiff competition from Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland. Their first match is against Ukraine on 3 March in Turkey, followed by a home game against Iceland on 7 March. The England squad, managed by Sarina Wiegman, aims to build on their success as two-time European champions and secure a spot in the World Cup.

Key takeaways

• The Lionesses will play their first match at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June.
• England's qualifying group includes Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland, with a total of six fixtures.
• The first meeting with Spain, the defending champions, is set for 14 April at Wembley Stadium.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the qualifying campaign, the Lionesses have been preparing for crucial matches against their group rivals. Key dates include:

• 3 March 2024: Ukraine v England (17:00 GMT)
• 7 March 2024: England v Iceland (12:30 GMT)
• 14 April 2024: England v Spain (19:00 GMT)
• 18 April 2024: Iceland v England (TBC)
• 5 June 2024: Spain v England (TBC)
• 9 June 2024: England v Ukraine (20:00 GMT)

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Lionesses' upcoming fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June has generated excitement, marking an opportunity to showcase women's football in a prominent venue. Additionally, their qualifying matches against Ukraine and Iceland will be pivotal in determining their chances for the World Cup.

What was already established

Previously, it was known that England's group for the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying includes strong competitors like Spain, who they beat in the Euro 2025 final. Wiegman has consistently highlighted the importance of engaging fans across the country.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the Lionesses progress through their qualifiers, fans in the UK can expect a boost in local engagement with women's football. Increased attendance at matches and heightened media attention could lead to enhanced visibility for women's sports, encouraging more participation at grassroots levels.

Businesses and jobs

The hosting of these matches, particularly at new venues like Hill Dickinson Stadium, could stimulate local economies through increased footfall in surrounding areas. Local businesses, including hospitality and transport services, stand to benefit from match-day activities.

Policy and regulation

The UK has been making strides in promoting women's sports, with initiatives aimed at increasing funding and support for women's football. The matches also align with the UK's broader ambitions to host major sports events, such as Euro 2028 and potentially the 2035 Women's World Cup.

Numbers that matter

• 3: Number of teams in England's qualifying group for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
• 6: Total fixtures England will play in the qualifying round.
• 2: Number of European Championships won by the Lionesses under Sarina Wiegman.
• 1: Date of the Lionesses' first match at Hill Dickinson Stadium (9 June).
• 14: Date of the first meeting with Spain at Wembley (14 April).

Definitions and jargon buster

• Lionesses: The nickname for the England women's national football team.
• Euro 2025: The European Women's Football Championship taking place in 2025.
• Hill Dickinson Stadium: The new stadium in Liverpool, home to Everton FC, used for various sporting events.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The Lionesses will focus on their upcoming matches, starting with Ukraine in March. Preparation will be critical to ensure performance and strategy are aligned with their World Cup ambitions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the team will aim to solidify their position in the qualifying rounds. Monitoring results and performances will be essential, particularly in matches against Spain and Iceland.

Signals to watch

• Match results, particularly against Spain, which could impact the team’s chances of qualifying.
• Fan engagement levels at matches, indicating the growing interest in women's football.
• The performance of individual players and team cohesion as they approach crucial fixtures.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow the Lionesses' matches to support the team and women's football.
• Engage with local initiatives promoting women's sports.
• Consider attending matches to experience the excitement live.

Don’t

• Ignore the growing impact of women's football on the sports landscape.
• Underestimate the importance of community support for women’s teams.
• Miss opportunities to participate in local football events and activities.

Checklist

• Mark key match dates in your calendar.
• Follow updates on team performance and player fitness.
• Engage with local football clubs to support youth participation.
• Stay informed about ticket sales and event details for matches.
• Promote discussions about women's football in your community.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the qualifying matches approach, factors such as player injuries, team performance under pressure, and external conditions (such as weather) could influence outcomes. Additionally, the evolving landscape of women's football, including competition from other nations, presents uncertainties in qualification prospects.

Bottom line

The Lionesses are on the brink of a significant qualifying campaign, poised to showcase their talent and determination in a series of high-stakes matches. As they prepare to take on Ukraine, Spain, and Iceland, the importance of community support and engagement in women's football will play a vital role in their quest for World Cup glory.

FAQs

When is England's next match in the Women's World Cup qualifiers?

England's next match in the Women's World Cup qualifiers is against Ukraine on 3 March 2024 at 17:00 GMT.

Where will England play their matches against Ukraine and Iceland?

England will host Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June 2024 and will play Iceland at the City Ground on 7 March 2024.

How many teams are in England's qualifying group?

England's qualifying group for the 2027 Women's World Cup consists of three teams: Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland.