Red Flames face an obstacle course for the 2027 World Cup

The Red Flames, Belgium's women's team, begin the qualification playoffs for the 2027 World Cup against Poland, but analyses indicate that Belgium has little chance of avoiding the grueling path required to qualify for Brazil.

An essential intercontinental playoff

To reach Brazil, Belgium must inevitably get through the intercontinental playoff. After the win against Poland, the Red Flames will have to face the winner of the Ireland/Kazakhstan tie. No other route is scheduled in the current calendar.

Unfavourable playoff ranking

Belgium sits in 22nd place in the playoff rankings, following its second place in League B. Only the top seven nations qualify directly for the World Cup, while the eighth must play the intercontinental playoff. This position makes any escape from the third round unlikely.

The playoff table shows the complexity of the route. Among the ties are Slovakia (27) versus Ukraine (16), Greece (34) versus England (5), Finland (21) versus Serbia (15) and many others. Each matchup pits teams ranked far above Belgium, which heightens the difficulty.

the Oranje Leeuwinnen take huge step towards World Cup in Brazil

Eighteen nations are already qualified for Brazil, including four European ones from League A: France, Denmark, Spain and England. The remaining spots will be decided during the two playoff rounds. Thus, the Red Flames will join the qualified teams only if they get through each stage.

Nathalie Dumont and Jill Janssens, spokespersons for the Red Flames, state that the team is ready to face the grueling path. They highlight the commitment of the players from the Mons‑Borinage‑Centre region. Support from the Sports Football sector strengthens the collective determination.

A major upset from a lower‑ranked nation would be needed for Gunnarsdottir's side to avoid the grueling path. Without that surprise, Belgium will have to rely on its own performance to reach the intercontinental playoff.

Red Flames await Dublin, preparing to face Ireland after win in Poland

In summary, the Red Flames start the playoffs against Poland, but their 22nd ranking puts them in a difficult position. The article explains why Belgium has little chance of avoiding the grueling path to qualify for Brazil.