England have been drawn to face France, Austria and Portugal in next year’s Women’s Nations League. Sarina Wiegman’s team discovered their opponents during the draw held in Nyon, Switzerland, setting up matches against several familiar rivals.
Group Stage Opponents and Schedule
The Lionesses enter Group A2 and will play their matches across three international windows scheduled for February-March, April and June 2027. Each team in the group will play home and away fixtures against one another.
Reflecting on the draw, Wiegman described France as a world-class team possessing immense quality, power and technique, noting that many of their players compete in the Women’s Super League and other elite clubs. She added that playing against them provides the highest possible challenge to improve the squad.
Discussing Portugal, Wiegman recalled facing them prior to the previous European Championship, noting a away draw and a home victory. She highlighted their tactical flexibility to shift between possession-based play and a more direct style, alongside players who excel in physical duels.
Tournament Format and Other Nations
The competition enters its third edition and serves as part of the qualification pathway for both the 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2029. The four group winners from League A will advance to the semi-finals in October 2027 ahead of the final.
In other groups, Scotland were drawn alongside Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, while the Republic of Ireland will face Spain, Norway and Switzerland. Wales are placed in a group with Denmark, Italy and Iceland, and Northern Ireland will compete in Group B3 against Poland, Finland and Belarus.
Specific fixture dates and match venues will be confirmed at a later date.
