Will City Ground Be the Venue for the England-Iceland Qualifier?

England's women's football team, the Lionesses, are gearing up for their campaign to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will take place in Brazil. The team will kick off their qualifiers with an away match against Ukraine on 3 March 2027, before hosting Iceland at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on 7 March 2027. With a recent history of success, including winning the European Championship in 2025, the Lionesses are eager to secure their spot in the World Cup and improve upon their runner-up finish in 2023.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Lionesses are currently preparing for their first home qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Head coach Sarina Wiegman is emphasising the importance of starting strong in this qualifying campaign. With a well-structured group that includes Iceland, Ukraine, and Spain, the competition is expected to be fierce. The match against Iceland on 7 March will be particularly crucial as the team looks to establish momentum early in the qualifiers.

Key takeaways

• The Lionesses will begin their qualifying campaign with an away match against Ukraine on 3 March 2027.
• England will host Iceland on 7 March 2027 at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
• England aims to qualify for the World Cup after reaching the final in 2023 and winning the European Championship in 2025.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of significant milestones leading to the current qualifying campaign:

• July 2023: England reaches the FIFA Women's World Cup final but loses 1-0 to Spain.
• August 2025: England wins the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 by defeating Spain on penalties.
• October 2026: England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup officially begins with matches against Ukraine and Iceland.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of late October 2023, the Lionesses are finalising their squad and strategies for the upcoming matches. Sarina Wiegman has highlighted the significance of the qualifiers and the challenges posed by their group, especially Iceland, known for their competitive spirit.

What was already established

England's recent success, including their victory in the 2025 European Championship, has set high expectations for this qualifying campaign. The team has demonstrated resilience and skill, aiming to build on past performances as they prepare for the World Cup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK households, the Lionesses' matches offer a chance to engage with women's football, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. Increased viewership may also boost local economies around match venues.

Businesses and jobs

The growing popularity of women's football can drive job creation within local clubs and businesses, especially in sectors related to sports, hospitality, and event management.

Policy and regulation

The success of the Lionesses on an international stage may lead to greater investment in women's football from both the government and private sectors, potentially resulting in improved facilities and support for female athletes.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of major tournaments won by the Lionesses since 2023, after their UEFA Women's Euro victory in 2025.
• 3: The number of teams in Group A3 of the qualifiers alongside England - Iceland, Ukraine, and Spain.
• 1-0: The scoreline of the 2023 Women's World Cup final where England lost to Spain.

Definitions and jargon buster

• FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the governing body of football worldwide.
• UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, the governing body for European football.
• Qualifiers: Matches played to determine which teams will participate in a tournament.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

England will focus on the upcoming matches against Ukraine and Iceland. The coaching staff will assess player performance and make necessary adjustments to tactics and strategies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the qualifiers progress, attention will turn to the subsequent fixtures, including matches against Spain, which will be key to securing a top position in the group.

Signals to watch

• Match results against Ukraine and Iceland.
• Player performance and injury updates leading into the qualifiers.
• Fan engagement and attendance figures for home matches.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the Lionesses by attending matches and following their journey.
• Stay informed about the team's performance and upcoming fixtures.
• Engage with women’s football communities online and offline.

Don’t

• Don’t miss out on supporting local initiatives that promote women's sports.
• Don’t overlook the importance of grassroots support for female athletes.

Checklist

• Check match schedules to ensure you catch the games.
• Follow updates on team selection and player fitness.
• Engage with official team social media for the latest news.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Lionesses are in a strong position, uncertainties remain regarding player fitness and potential injuries as the season progresses. Additionally, the unpredictability of match outcomes means that fans should temper expectations. Any changes in coaching staff or player selection could impact team dynamics as well.

Bottom line

The Lionesses are embarking on a crucial qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with high hopes following their recent successes. As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will be on building a strong foundation to secure their place in Brazil, aiming to surpass their previous tournament performance. The excitement surrounding the team presents opportunities for fans to engage and support women's football in the UK.

FAQs

When do the Lionesses play their first home qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup?

The Lionesses will host their first home qualifier on 7 March 2027, facing Iceland at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.

Who are the Lionesses competing against in the qualifiers?

England is in Group A3 alongside Iceland, Ukraine, and Spain in the qualifiers for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

What is the significance of the upcoming matches for the Lionesses?

The matches are crucial for the Lionesses as they aim to secure a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup after their successful campaign in the 2025 European Championship.