The Dutch women’s football team will face France, Poland and Ireland in their bid to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

The group winner will qualify directly for the tournament, while the remaining teams will have another chance through the play-offs.

Coach Arjan Veurink described the draw as “fine” and “a challenge”. “It won’t be easy, but I see enough opportunities for a top performance in this group,” he said.

France, currently sixth in the world rankings, are the toughest opponents on paper. They beat Oranje 5-2 at the European Championships last summer, overturning a 2-1 Dutch lead at half-time. The Dutch are currently ranked 11th.

Two weeks ago, Oranje drew 0-0 in a friendly against Poland, where women’s football is gaining popularity.

Four European teams will qualify directly for the tournament, with another seven earning places through the play-offs. The competition itself takes place from June 24 to July 2025, 2027.

Oranje lost to Spain in the 2023 quarter finals.