England begin World Cup playoff in Crete against in-form Greece
England's road to the 2027 Women's World Cup runs through Heraklion, Crete.
They face Greece on Friday 9 October 2026 in the first leg of their playoff semi-final, the opening game of a two-match tie where the scores from both legs are added together. It is win or go home, spread over 180 minutes.
The tie is listed as Round One of the European playoff section for the 2027 tournament The Guardian. UEFA has scheduled Round One over 7-13 October 2026, with only the eventual Round Two winner taking a World Cup place UEFA. England must get past Greece first to stay in that fight.
Greece arrive with momentum. They finished top of Group L with four wins from four ahead of the playoffs. That is perfect. No slip-ups.
England are not used to this route. The last time they failed to qualify for a World Cup was in 2003. That long record adds weight to these two games.
Sarina Wiegman made two changes in defence from the previous qualifier against Ukraine. Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood came in for Jess Carter and Niamh Charles.
England started with Hannah Hampton in goal. Maya Le Tissier, Williamson, Esme Morgan and Greenwood formed the back four. Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh and Laura Blindkilde Brown played in midfield, with Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James in attack The Guardian.
Greece started with Zoi Petaloti in goal. Athina Giannaka, Anastasia Gkouni, Maria Markou and Eleni Paterna were in defence. Anastasia Drakogiannaki, Thomai Brame and Danai-Eleni Moraitou played in midfield, with Veatriki Sarri, Vasiliki Papatheodorou and Ilektra Brouksair in attack. Martina Molinaro of Italy was the referee.
There was late squad news too. Ella Toone was recalled after Lucy Bronze picked up an injury described as "really small", with Bronze returning to Chelsea. Toone brought experience. She had 69 caps, international appearances, and 24 goals for England at the time.
Kick-off in Crete was listed at 17:30 BST. The return comes quickly. England host Greece at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Tuesday 13 October 2026, with kick-off at 19:30 BST England Football.
For fans, this means jeopardy with something still to play for. A strong night in Crete would set up a loud second leg. A tough night would leave everything riding on Leicester.
