By Salma El-Sakka
England's women's team, the Lionesses, will take on France, Austria and Portugal in the UEFA Women's Nations League, a competition that also serves as qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Manager Sarina Wiegman's side will be aiming to avoid a repeat of the disappointment that saw them miss out on the Paris Games.
Draw Details
Only the team finishing top of each group secures a place at the Olympics and advances to the Nations League semi-finals. The Republic of Ireland face a tough assignment alongside world champions Spain, Norway and Switzerland. Wales were drawn with Denmark, Italy and Iceland, while Scotland meet Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Northern Ireland, competing in League B, will play Poland, Finland and Belarus.
Schedule and Format
Matchdays one and two are set for February and March, with the third and fourth rounds in April. The final league stage fixtures take place in June, ahead of the Women's World Cup in Brazil. The semi-finals are scheduled for October, followed by the third-place play-off and final in late November and early December. The bottom team in each League A group will be relegated to League B, while League B winners earn promotion.
England's Olympic Quest
England failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after finishing second in their Nations League group behind the Netherlands on goal difference, despite a 6-0 victory over Scotland in their final match. The Lionesses were grouped with the Netherlands, Scotland and Belgium in that campaign.
World Cup Play-off Ahead
Before turning full attention to the Nations League, England must navigate a two-legged play-off against Ukraine to secure their place at next year's World Cup in Brazil. The two matches are set for later this month and early December.
Recent Success Under Wiegman
Since Wiegman took charge, England have won the European Championship in 2022 and 2025 and reached the 2023 World Cup final. The team now targets World Cup qualification before pursuing Olympic glory in Los Angeles.
