Wales face Norway for a World Cup place, but victory may not be enough
Wales' women's football team will meet Norway in the European World Cup qualifying play-off final. Even a win may not secure a place at the tournament, as it depends on other finals.
Wales' women's national football team will face Norway in the European play-off final of Women's World Cup qualifying. The first leg takes place on 1 December at Cardiff City Stadium, with the return in Norway four days later. The winner can claim a place at next summer's tournament in Brazil, but for Wales that is not guaranteed.
Wales reached the final by beating Albania in the semi-final, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches, the longest in their history. They have never played at a Women's World Cup.
A complex qualification system
Europe has eight play-off finals. Seven winners go directly to the tournament, while one, the lowest-ranked nation from the group stage, goes into inter-confederation play-offs. Four countries, Denmark, France, Germany and reigning champions Spain, have already qualified.
Wales topped their League B group and so ranked above Finland, a League B runner-up. Finland beat Serbia in their semi-final and now face Italy. If Finland win, a Welsh victory over Norway would send Wales straight to the World Cup. If Finland lose, Wales would need to win a single knockout game in the inter-confederation play-offs in February.
The opponent and a reunion
Norway are 13th in the FIFA rankings, 18places above Wales. They have never missed a World Cup and were champions in 1995. Wales have never beaten a top-20 side in a competitive match.
Norway are coached by Gemma Grainger, who managed Wales from 2021 to 2024. Wales captain Angharad James said this adds a little spice to the tie and that the team intends to cause some upsets.
