European women's national teams have begun the fight for qualification to the 2027 World Cup. The spotlight was on the clash between Ireland and France, which ended with a 2:1 victory for 'Les Bleues' after a dramatic turnaround. The favorites from England and Spain recorded high-scoring wins, while Switzerland confidently defeated Northern Ireland. The Polish women inaugurated the qualifiers with a valuable 2:2 draw against the favored Netherlands in Gdańsk, securing their first point in the group table.

Melvine Malard saves France

The forward scored two goals in 8 minutes, allowing France to come from behind and defeat Ireland 2:1.

England thrashes Ukraine

The Lionesses executed Sarina Wiegman's plan, winning 6:1 at the start of the qualifiers.

Navarra's debut with Switzerland

Switzerland defeated Northern Ireland 2:0 in their first high-stakes match under the new coach.

The first round of European qualifiers for the 2027 Women's Football World Cup brought excitement to many stadiums across the continent. The most dramatic match took place in Dublin, where the Republic of Ireland hosted the favored French team. The hosts took the lead thanks to a goal from Katie McCabe and maintained the favorable result for a long time, showing disciplined defensive play. However, in the second half, Melvine Malard scored two goals in just eight minutes, turning the match in favor of the French. The Irish coaching staff and players, including the devastated defender Sarah Ward, emphasized a great sense of disappointment after the match, claiming the team deserved at least a draw. Simultaneously, other European football powerhouses played their matches. The England national team, as expected by coach Sarina Wiegman, dominated Ukraine, winning 6:1. Spain also recorded a clear victory, defeating Iceland under the leadership of Sonia Bermudez, controlling the game from the first to the last minute. Meanwhile, Switzerland began a new era under the leadership of Navarra, defeating Northern Ireland 2:0. While Swiss media praised the result, they pointed out the need to improve the style of play in upcoming matches against tougher opponents. The Women's World Cup, whose tenth edition will be held in 2027, is the most dynamically developing tournament in FIFA's calendar, attracting record TV and stadium audiences since the groundbreaking tournament in China in 1991. In the Polish camp, the mood is moderately optimistic after the first qualifying match. The White and Reds began their campaign, aware that every point in the group will be crucial for the final standings. Experts note that this year's qualifiers are exceptionally demanding due to the reform of the competition system and the rising level of theoretically weaker teams, as shown by the determination of the Irish women against France. The upcoming matches scheduled for the coming days will verify the form of individual teams and their chances for direct qualification to the final tournament, which is the dream of every player. „C'était un match difficile, mais l'essentiel est de commencer ces qualifications avec les trois points.” (It was a difficult match, but the important thing is to start these qualifiers with three points.) — Melvine Malard

Perspektywy mediów: British and French media focus on the technical dominance of their teams and professionalism in coming from behind. Irish media emphasize the heroism of the players and a sense of injustice, suggesting the result does not reflect the run of play.

Mentioned People

  • Melvine Malard — French forward, author of two goals in the match against Ireland.
  • Katie McCabe — Captain of the Republic of Ireland national team, scorer of the opening goal in the match.
  • Sarina Wiegman — Coach of the England national team, overseeing the high-scoring victory over Ukraine.