England have discovered their opponents for next year's Women's Nations League following the draw conducted in Nyon, Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses were placed into Group A2, where they will take on France, Austria, and Portugal. The campaign will see teams contest home and away fixtures across three designated international windows in February-March, April, and June 2027.
The draw sets up clashes against familiar opposition for the Lionesses, who met Portugal in the previous edition of the Nations League and have faced both France and Austria during recent major tournament qualifying campaigns. Wiegman described France as a "world-class team" equipped with power, technique, and high quality, noting that several French squad members play in the Women's Super League and for other elite clubs. "So it's exciting to play them because you will be challenged in the highest possible way and that's what makes us better," Wiegman stated.
Assessing Portugal, the England manager recalled their encounters prior to the last Euros, pointing out that England drew away and won at home. Wiegman observed that the Portuguese side can alternate between a possession-oriented approach and direct play, offering both on-pitch quality and strength in duels. Meanwhile, Scotland were drawn into Group A4 alongside Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, while Wales will encounter Denmark, Italy, and Iceland in Group A3. In Group A1, the Republic of Ireland meet Spain, Norway, and Switzerland, and Northern Ireland will feature in Group B3 against Poland, Finland, and Belarus.
This third edition of the Women's Nations League carries significant stakes, serving as part of the qualification route for the 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2029. To remain in the hunt for silverware, teams must secure top spot in their section, as only the four League A group winners will advance to the semi-finals in October 2027 ahead of the final. The venues and fixture dates for the matches will be announced in due course.