The UEFA group phase opened on THU 16 SEP 2021, with 45 matches played over the subsequent week.

Two time Women’s World Cup semifinalists England started Group D play with two comprehensive victories, an 8-0 win over North Macedonia and a 10-0 win over Luxembourg. Austria and Northern Ireland, however, also sit on six points from two matches each.

Spain took the early lead in Group B by defeating the Faroe Is 10-0 and Hungary 7-0. Amaiur SARRIEGI ISASA’s six goals make her the joint goalscoring leader so far, along with Germany’s Lea SCHÜLLER.

In Group C, the Czech Rep held reigning European champions the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw. Andrea STAŠKOVÁ put the Czechs in front early in the second half, and seven saves from goalkeeper Barbora VOTÍKOVÁ helped ensure a share of the points.

The group phase continues until TUE 06 SEP 2022. At that point, the first placed team in each group qualifies for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The second placed teams advance to the playoffs.