Lionesses Reload: England's 2026 World Cup Qualifier Slate Packed with Revenge and Road Trips

Imagine swigging a pint while the Lionesses hoist another Euros trophy, this time pipping Spain in a nail-biting penalty drama. That's how 2025 wrapped for Sarina Wiegman's crew – revenge served cold after that World Cup heartbreak. Now, with eyes on Brazil 2027, they're drawn in a proper ding-dong group. Top the table or hit the playoffs; no room for slip-ups.

Group A3: Spain, Ukraine, Iceland – It's On

November's draw handed England Group A3 alongside old foes Spain, plus Ukraine and Iceland. Only first place bags automatic World Cup tickets. Second, third, or fourth? Playoffs await – two two-legged ties to grind through later in the year.

The gals have hit the ground running. Check the early standings:

| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |

|-----|----------|-----|---|---|---|----|-----|

| 1 | England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +7 | 6 |

| 2 | Spain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 |

| 3 | Ukraine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -5 | 0 |

| 4 | Iceland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -5 | 0 |

Blimey, six points from two wins already. But Spain loom large, and those Icelanders always fancy a scrap.

Fixtures: Dates, Drama, and Destinations

Qualifiers kick off March through June, venues and some kick-offs TBC. Here's the rundown – mark your calendars, lads:

• March 3: Ukraine 1-6 England (Mardan Stadium, Antalya – neutral turf, Ukraine woes)

• March 7: England 2-0 Iceland (The City Ground, Nottingham, 12:30pm UK)

• April 14: England vs Spain (Wembley Stadium, London, 7pm UK)

• April 18: Iceland vs England (Laugardalsvollur Stadium, Reykjavik, 5:30pm UK)

• June 5: Spain vs England (TBC)

• June 9: England vs Ukraine (Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, 8pm UK)

Turkey trip for Ukraine? Smart move amid the geopolitical mess. Wembley hosting Spain? Expect a sell-out and some proper needle. Liverpool finale? Anfield vibes without the lads – sorry, Hill Dickinson it is.

More friendlies or extras? FA will drip-feed those later. For now, momentum's key after that Euros graft – shootout vs Sweden, extra-time semi vs Italy. Wiegman's warriors don't do easy.

Tune In: Where to Watch the Lionesses Roar

No men's team deal here – ITV owns the rights. Catch live on ITV1, ITV4, or stream via ITVX. Home nations twist? BBC grabs Scotland, Wales, NI clashes – remember that Glasgow showdown?

Yanks? fuboTV is your mate, with FOX, FS1, and occasional ESPN coverage. Euros proved it: these games pull punters.

England enter 2026 buzzing. Spain revenge round two at Wembley? Chef's kiss. Ukraine away in sunny Antalya? Bargain. Iceland twice? Brace yourselves for frostbite footy.

The Lionesses fancy themselves World Cup ready. Automatic spot or playoff hustle, they'll scrap. Grab the popcorn (or pie), it's qualifier season. Who's betting on another trophy parade?

(Adapted from insights at Goal.com)

(Word count: 512)