Top Four Teams to be Kept Apart Until Semifinals in New Women's World Cup Ruling

FIFA announced that the four highest-ranked teams at the 2027 Women's World Cup will not meet until the semifinals if they win their groups.

FIFA announced a new ruling on Wednesday ensuring the four highest-ranked teams at next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil will be placed in groups with separate pathways. Under this format, these top-seeded nations cannot face one another until the semifinal stage, provided they win their respective groups. This procedural change aligns with the format utilized during the men's World Cup earlier this year.

Spain, the United States, Germany, and England currently hold the top four spots in the world rankings. While Spain and Germany have already qualified for the tournament, the U.S. can clinch their berth with a victory against El Salvador later this month. England must still navigate a two-legged qualification playoff final against Ukraine in December to secure their position.

The final seeding for the tournament will be determined by the world rankings released on Dec. 7. The official draw is scheduled for Dec. 11 at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will automatically enter Pot 1 as the host nation, joined by the seven highest-ranked teams. Pot 2 and Pot 3 will each contain eight teams, while Pot 4 will consist of five teams plus three nations advancing from the playoff round.