Switzerland and Ireland Rep have qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup as the two highest ranked winners in the UEFA playoffs. The lowest ranked winner, Portugal, advance to the playoffs, to be played in FEB 2023.

Switzerland defeated Wales 2-1 in extra time in Zürich, with Fabienne HUMM finding the decisive goal in the 121st minute. The Swiss earn a trip to their second Women’s World Cup.

In Glasgow, Scotland had the opportunity to take an early lead, but Caroline WEIR’s penalty in the 14th minute was saved by Courtney BROSNAN. Amber BARRETT scored the only goal in the 72nd minute, stamping Ireland Rep’s first ever ticket to a Women’s World Cup.

Portugal, having defeated Belgium 2-1 in their first round playoff match, advanced to a second round encounter with Iceland in Paços de Ferreira. Carole COSTA put the home side ahead early in the second half on a spot kick earned when Áslaug Munda GUNNLAUGSDÓTTIR brought down Jéssica SILVA in the area, for which Gunnlaugsdóttir was sent off. But shortly thereafter, a header from Glódís VIGGÓSDÓTTIR drew Iceland level. In extra time, however, Portugal’s numeric advantage paid off, as Diana SILVA, Tatiana PINTO, and Kika NAZARETH all scored to keep Portugal’s hopes of a first trip to the Women’s World Cup alive.

Switzerland accumulated 22 points in their matches in the group phase [excluding results against group opponents placed sixth] and in the second playoff round, and Ireland Rep amassed 20. Hence, Switzerland and Ireland Rep qualify directly, and Portugal, with only 19 points, advance to the playoffs. The playoffs will be held in FEB 2023 in New Zealand.

• Qualified: Ireland Rep, Switzerland
• Advance to playoffs: Portugal
• Eliminated: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Scotland, Wales