England are one step closer to learning the identity of their opponents for their opening match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 with the Group B intercontinental play-off semi-final having now been played.
The Lionesses have been drawn in Group D for the tournament finals. Sarina Wiegman’s side will face the winner of the Group B intercontinental play-off, Denmark and China in the group stage.
The Group B intercontinental play-off tournament is made up of Senegal, Haiti and Chile. This weekend saw Senegal take on Haiti in a semi-final tie at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland and it was the latter nation which progressed to the final with a 4-0 victory. Haiti will now face Chile in the final at the same venue on Wednesday with the winners joining England, Denmark and China in Group D for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 tournament finals.
Given their position of 38th in the Coca-Cola FIFA Women’s World Rankings, Chile will be the favourites going into the final. Haiti are currently ranked in 55th position. Chile made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in France in 2019 while Haiti are yet to qualify for a major tournament.
The winner of the Group B intercontinental play-off final will face England in their opening group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2022 on 22 July 2023. The game will take place at Lang Park in Brisbane, Australia.
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