WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
The five-minute read for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football.
This week: it’s the international break. England did enough against Greece, Northern Ireland need a miracle, and the USA v Spain clash was missing a few titans. Plus, the perfect Pink October kit drop.
— Jo, founder of Twentytwo
⚽ WORLD CUP PLAY-OFFS
England take control in Greece
England beat Greece 3-1 in Crete to take control of their World Cup play-off, but it was a frustrating watch. Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo got the goals, with Le Tissier’s first for England coming in a new-look right-back role.
Greece defended deep, at times with a back eight, and England struggled to break them down. They had 74% of the ball and 26 shots, but only seven were on target and the final ball kept letting them down. Greece carried a threat on the break too. They hit the bar from 35 yards, and with just over ten minutes left Calliste Brookshire, who plays her club football at Rangers, pulled one back.
Sarina Wiegman said they’d made the game harder than it needed to be. Not tight enough, and not moving the ball quickly enough.
So, what happens next?
To reach Brazil 2027, England have to win two rounds of play-offs. Each round is two legs, home and away.
Round one is Greece. England lead 3–1, and the second leg is at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday, 7.30pm. Win the tie and they’re through.
Round two is the winner of Slovakia v Ukraine, played over two legs between 26 November and 5 December.
The eight round-two winners are then ranked on their qualifying league finish. The seven best-ranked teams qualify directly; the eighth goes into the inter-confederation play-offs.
Elsewhere…
Albania 0–1 Wales: Wales take a narrow lead into Tuesday’s second leg. The winners face Norway or Romania in round two. (Highlights)
Czechia 0–2 Scotland: Scotland are in control and will host the return leg. The winners face Lithuania or Sweden. (Highlights)
Northern Ireland 0–4 Portugal: Portugal are effectively through, with Northern Ireland needing a minor miracle in the second leg. (Highlights)
🚨ICYMI
Top Headlines
🌍 Arsenal and Chelsea could miss up to four WSL match weeks because of the 2028 Club World Cup. FIFA’s proposed 5–30 January dates would also clash with the FA Cup, causing major congestion by the end of the domestic season. Read more
⚽ The WSL’s referees will not become full-time until 2029-30. Clubs have approved increased funding for officials’ education, analysis and physical performance, with Pro Ref expected to employ them from that campaign. Read more
🇺🇸 The NWSL is preparing to add teams 19 and 20. Commissioner Jessica Berman says the league will open its data room to prospective investors, while Atlanta and Columbus remain on course to join in 2028 after record expansion fees. Read more
📚 WHAT WE’RE READING
→ Can Man City juggle WSL title defence and Champions League? — via BBC
→ Chloe Kelly, and the cost of being dropped as a Lioness — via The Observer
👟 KIT DROP
Olympique de Marseille have launched a bespoke shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The pink-and-white stripes, fine gold pinstripes and Les Marseillaises crest come together perfectly, as part of their annual ‘Octobre Rose’ campaign. This year, the campaign focuses on remission, hope and fighting cancer together, carrying the message “Tu ne seras jamais seule” (“You’ll never be alone”). Proceeds from match-day sales go to local cancer charities.
Our verdict? 10/10.
🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA
Upcoming Events
Fancy watching England vs Greece at the pub?
Try one of these…
Baller FC x Hackney Women’s FC Watchparty Fundraiser
at The Black Eel, London. Tickets £5, 10% drinks all night.
Did you know there’s a new pub finder for women’s football? Check out Weball
Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up
📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST
What We’re Watching
Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-off — Round 1, second legs
Tuesday, 13 October
19:15 · Portugal vs Northern Ireland · BBC iPlayer
19:15 · Scotland vs Czechia · BBC Scotland, BBC iPlayer
19:15 · Wales vs Albania · BBC One Wales, BBC iPlayer
19:30 · England vs Greece · ITV4, ITVX
International friendly
Tuesday, 13 October
19:00 ET · USA vs Spain · TNT, HBO Max, Universo and Peacock
Women’s Super League
Saturday, 17 October
12:45 · Arsenal vs Birmingham City · Sky Sports
Sunday, 18 October
12:00 · Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur · Sky Sports
12:00 · Crystal Palace vs West Ham United · Sky Sports Mix
14:00 · Aston Villa vs Liverpool · Sky Sports WSL Youtube
14:00 · Charlton Athletic vs Manchester United · Sky Sports Mix
14:00 · London City Lionesses vs Everton · Sky Sports WSL Youtube
14:30 · Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion · BBC Two, BBC iPlayer
See you next week!
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