Finalists at the last World Cup and reigning double European champions, England were handed a favourable draw against Greece. If victorious, the Lionesses will face the winner of Slovakia-Ukraine in the second round.
Portugal, meanwhile, will have to overcome a British hurdle against Northern Ireland before a potential second-round tie against Croatia or Iceland.
Heavyweights such as Sweden, who finished third in 2023, or the Netherlands will be expected to live up to their status against Lithuania and Hungary, respectively, while nations like Belgium, Wales, or Poland are dreaming of a historic first-ever qualification.
Round 1 play-off fixtures:
First leg at the home of the first-named team.
Path 1
Greece v England
Lithuania v Sweden
Romania v Norway
Hungary v Netherlands
Belarus v Italy
Croatia v Iceland
Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland
Kosovo v Austria
Path 2
Northern Ireland v Portugal
Czechia v Scotland
Albania v Wales
Turkey v Slovenia
Slovakia v Ukraine
Israel v Switzerland
Belgium v Poland
Finland v Serbia
Projected Round 2 ties (26 Nov. – 5 Dec. 2026)
The 16 winners will face off for World Cup spots as follows:
Slovakia / Ukraine v Greece / England
Northern Ireland / Portugal v Croatia / Iceland
Czechia / Scotland v Lithuania / Sweden
Turkey / Slovenia v Hungary / Netherlands
Finland / Serbia v Belarus / Italy
Albania / Wales v Romania / Norway
Israel / Switzerland v Kosovo / Austria
Belgium / Poland v Kazakhstan / Republic of Ireland