April 12 – With a second-half goal from Kosovare Asllani in a 1-1 draw with Ireland, Sweden became the first European team to book a ticket for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On an evening of UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, France and Spain also ensured their presence in New Zealand and Australia next year.
Ireland’s Katie McCabe handed the visitors the lead just before half-time, but Sweden’s dominance was rewarded in the 79th minute when Asslani equalized, enough to top group A with nineteen points from seven matches and ensure a ticket for next year’s global finals. Sweden have qualified for all nine Women’s World Cups.
Spain became the second UEFA nation to seal a berth with a 2-0 victory against Scotland, opening up an unassailable eight-point gap over the Scots at the top of Group B.
They qualified without conceding a single goal during their campaign. Spain will be present at their third successive finals. A single goal from Delphine Cascarino was enough for France to see off Slovenia
In other results, Germany suffered their first qualifying defeat away from home since losing to Norway in 1998. They were defeated 3-2 by Serbia. Italy booked an important 1-0 away victory against Switzerland in Group G.
In the summer of 2023, Australia and New Zealand will co-host the tournament, which for the first time will feature 32 finalists. FIFA expanded the competition after the mammoth success of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, where the United State retained their global crown, defeating the Netherlands in the final. The Swedish completed the podium, winning bronze.
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