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Thursday, January 22, 2026

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City Ground to host World Cup qualifier

England will face Iceland at Nottingham Forest on Saturday 7 March 2026, kick off 12.30pm, for their first home match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign.

The European champions are beginning a pivotal year which starts away against Ukraine on Tuesday 3 March, at a yet-to-be confirmed venue. The Lionesses’ qualifying group also includes Spain, with a high-profile meeting with the world champions in April at Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, a rematch of the UEFA EURO 2025 final.

The Lionesses last played at the City Ground 32 years ago, defeating Belgium 6-0 in a EURO qualifying match in March 1994. It was a standout performance, with Marianne Spacey, Karen Walker, Kerry Davis and Gillian Coultard all finding the net.

Sarina Wiegman said: “We are at the beginning of an important qualifying campaign. We want to be at our best and are really looking forward to getting started again. Iceland are a well-organised, competitive side, so this will be a great test for us as we begin our journey toward the World Cup.

“We’re excited to play at Nottingham Forest. It has been a very long time since England women have appeared there, and it’s important for us to bring the Lionesses to different parts of the country. I know the fans, as always, will create a brilliant atmosphere for the players and give us fantastic support in this historic stadium.”

Spain, Iceland and Ukraine were drawn out in League A, Group 3 alongside England as the road to Brazil begins. The full FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers schedule in the first half of 2026 is as follows: all fixtures will be broadcast live across ITV Sport.

Ukraine v England: Tuesday 3 March

England v Iceland: Nottingham Forest, Saturday 7 March, KO 12.30pm

England v Spain: Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, Tuesday 14 April, KO 7pm

Iceland v England: Saturday 18 April

Spain v England: Friday 5 June

England v Ukraine: venue to be confirmed, Tuesday 9 June

Ticketing information has been confirmed for this match going on sale to My England Football members on 22 – 28 January before going on general sale on Thursday 29 January.