Top four kept apart until the semi-finals at the 2027 Women's World Cup

[Dean78]

The 2027 Women's World Cup draw has a new seeding twist. ESPN reports that FIFA will keep the four top ranked teams apart until the semi finals, provided they win their groups

The top four are Spain, the United States, Germany and England, with seeding based on the rankings of 7 December. Hosts Brazil are in Pot 1

The draw takes place on 11 December at Rio's Museum of Modern Art. The United States qualify by beating El Salvador, while England face Ukraine in a two legged playoff final

The change mirrors the system used for the men's 2026 World Cup. It is designed to avoid the strongest teams knocking each other out early

Protecting the top teams can make the later rounds more exciting, though some will argue it makes the draw less fair for others. Brazil hosting should make for a colourful tournament. England still need to get past Ukraine, so nothing is guaranteed yet

Is seeding the top four a good idea? And who do you think will win the 2027 Women's World Cup?

Women World Cup 2027 Top Four Ranked Teams Kept Apart Semifinalswww.espn.co.uk