FIFA and the 2027 Women’s World Cup participating nations
11 November 2026
FIFA has changed the 2027 Women’s World Cup draw rules to separate the four highest-ranked teams across different knockout pathways. If those teams win their groups, they would avoid facing each other before the semifinals, reducing early clashes between leading contenders.
The seeding will use the December world rankings, with Spain, the United States, Germany and England currently occupying the leading positions. Brazil will join seven top-ranked teams in the first pot. The final draw takes place in Rio de Janeiro on 11 December.
Why It Matters
The revised draw structure changes potential knockout routes, giving the highest-ranked teams greater protection against early elimination by one another.