Four Group A sides would earn direct qualification for the Women's World Cup in 2027 after the conclusion of this round of six qualification matches by finishing in top spot.

Only Germany had secured their place ahead of the final round of games on Tuesday evening, meaning that Sjoeke Nusken was rested from their starting XI against Slovenia by head coach Christian Wuck. A goal from West Ham's Shekiera Martinez and a Slovenian own goal sealed their playoff campaign in style, with Nusken introduced as a 74th-minute substitute.

Meanwhile, after a heavy defeat to Spain last Friday, England knew they had to beat Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday night and hope that La Roja slipped up against Iceland.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman went for a starting lineup containing four of our Blues; Hannah Hampton, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Keira Walsh, who captained the side. Aggie Beever-Jones and Lucy Bronze were also named on the bench.

Spain began quickly in their match, with a goal after five minutes, but the Lionesses matched them when James whipped in a wonderful cross for Jess Carter to convert at the far post with a quarter of an hour gone.

The Lionesses doubled their lead when Walsh played a deadly through-ball to Alessia Russo, and the striker set up Georgia Stanway to supply the finish. Wiegman switched James for Beth Mead for the second half, but by this point Spain were 3-0 in front and automatic qualification was therefore looking unlikely.

It was Mead who netted England's third of the night with a sublime free-kick, but despite a solid performance, Spain's 6-1 win meant that their efforts were in vain.

Group A2, which contained Sandy Baltimore representing France, Veerle Buurman and Wieke Kaptein for the Netherlands and new signing Katie McCabe as Ireland's captain, was poised on a knife-edge at the beginning of the evening.

Les Bleues knew that a win would see them top the group and directly qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil, while the Netherlands would advance automatically if they beat Poland and France failed to win. Ireland could also snatch top spot after an impressive qualifying campaign if they pulled off a win over France at the Stade des Alpes.

All of that quartet started for their respective nations, and Kaptein kicked things off as she put the Netherlands ahead with a glancing header inside the box. France then made their mark when Manchester United's Melvine Malard put them in front after 40 minutes with an audacious overhead kick, putting Laurent Bonadei's side in pole position to qualify in top spot.

After the break, Romee Leuchte added a second for the Oranje, and Kaptein supplied the assist for Liz Rijsbergen when they went 3-0 up. Poland added a consolation with seven minutes to play, but as France saw out the narrow victory over Ireland, the Netherlands would have to settle for the playoffs.

Switzerland had also claimed their place in the playoffs ahead of a trip to Mourneview Park in County Armagh. Blues stopper Livia Peng was also rotated out of the side on Tuesday, replaced by Elvira Herzog as they recorded a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.

Over in Sweden, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started as Tony Gustavsson's side qualified for the playoffs with a 2-2 draw with Italy. The Blues winger played the opening 57 minutes before being switched for Rosa Kafaji, with a goal from Fridolina Rolfo and an Azzurre own goal securing the point.

Scotland also secured their playoff berth, but Erin Cuthbert was missing from the 5-1 win over Israel due to an injury sustained in the previous match.

The draw for the playoffs will take place on 18 June, and the games will be played in mid-October and late November 2026.