The road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is heating up, and the spotlight is shining brightly on a new generation of talent and leadership as UEFA’s European Qualifiers kick off this March. With squads finalizing their rosters and anticipation building, several notable call-ups have made headlines—none more so than Northwestern University’s incoming first-year Gwen Zimmerman, Sweden’s rising forward Evelyn Ijeh, and the ever-dependable Welsh captain Angharad James-Turner. Their journeys, backgrounds, and the high stakes of the upcoming matches promise a thrilling chapter in women’s soccer.
On February 18, 2026, Northwestern University Athletics announced that Gwen Zimmerman, a standout from Palatine, Illinois, was selected for Wales’ 26-player roster ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers. Zimmerman, who will begin her collegiate career at Northwestern later this year, is no stranger to international competition. She made her senior debut on October 25, 2025, starting on the backline in a friendly against Australia—a significant milestone for any young player. Her selection is a testament to her rapid rise through the ranks, having previously represented Wales at youth levels and earned ECNL U18/19 Midwest All-Conference Honors during the 2024-25 season.
Zimmerman’s versatility on the field is well-documented. At club level, she’s been a mainstay with Eclipse Select ECNL, excelling as both a midfielder and defender. Her high school career at Fremd High School was equally impressive, earning all-state honors as a sophomore and junior and even clinching a state title in flag football. Now, with her inclusion in the senior national team, Zimmerman is poised to bring her winning mentality and adaptability to the international stage.
Wales will kick off their Group B1 campaign against Czechia on Tuesday, March 3, in Uherské Hradište, with a scheduled start at 11:30 a.m. CT. Just days later, the squad will return home to Llanelli to face Montenegro on Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. CT. The stakes are high: only group winners secure an automatic ticket to Brazil, while the remaining teams must navigate a challenging play-off phase. The Welsh roster, brimming with both seasoned veterans and fresh faces, includes captain Angharad James-Turner—another headline-maker this week.
Seattle Reign FC’s Angharad James-Turner, called up once again for national duty, is set to anchor the Welsh midfield. As captain, James-Turner has been the heartbeat of a team that reached new heights during Wales’ first major tournament appearance in the summer of 2025. Her leadership, described as calm and stable, is especially crucial this cycle, as the squad features three uncapped players. Known for her ability to unlock the pitch offensively and command her space defensively, James-Turner’s presence will be vital as Wales navigates both the World Cup qualifiers and the implications for promotion and relegation in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
"Angharad is a leader on and off the pitch," said a club spokesperson, echoing sentiments shared across the Welsh football community. Her knack for handling high-pressure moments, developed over a career spanning more than 100 international caps, is expected to set the tone for Cymru as they seek to advance from a competitive group also featuring Albania, Czechia, and Montenegro.
The Welsh coaching staff will also get a boost from Reign FC veteran Jess Fishlock. Though recently retired from international play, Fishlock will serve as a technical assistant coach for the opening match against Czechia before returning to Seattle. Her experience and tactical insight add another layer of depth to a Welsh side eager to break new ground on the world stage.
While Wales is preparing to make a statement in Group B1, Sweden is gearing up for a fierce battle in Group A1, where every match could be a potential decider. On the same day Wales faces Czechia, Sweden will take on Italy at 12:15 p.m. ET, followed by a clash with Serbia on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. ET. The group, which also includes Denmark, promises high drama as only the top team advances automatically to Brazil, with the rest eyeing the perilous play-off route.
North Carolina Courage forward Evelyn Ijeh is among the Swedish players to watch. Her call-up, announced on February 18, 2026, comes after a successful transition from AC Milan to the NWSL. Ijeh, who has already netted one goal in three senior international appearances, brings a blend of youth and experience that could prove pivotal for Sweden’s campaign. Notably, she shone at the U-23 level and now has the opportunity to cement her place among Sweden’s elite.
"It’s an honor to represent Sweden at this level, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead," Ijeh shared in a recent interview. Her addition to the roster signals Sweden’s intent to blend established stars with emerging talent as they chase another World Cup berth.
The structure of this year’s UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers adds another layer of intrigue. Running from February to December 2026, the competition not only determines who will compete in Brazil, but also impacts promotion and relegation ahead of the next edition of the UEFA Women’s Nations League. This means every match carries extra weight—not just for this cycle, but for the future of women’s football across the continent.
For Wales, the path to Brazil is clear but challenging: find success in the group stage and advance through the play-offs if necessary. The squad’s blend of youth and experience, highlighted by Zimmerman’s debut and James-Turner’s leadership, offers hope for a breakthrough. For Sweden, the expectation is nothing short of victory in Group A1, with Ijeh’s attacking flair a key asset.
As the clock ticks down to the opening whistle, fans across Europe and beyond are bracing for a month of high-stakes soccer. Will the next generation of stars seize their moment? Can the veterans guide their teams through the gauntlet of qualifying? One thing’s for certain: with players like Gwen Zimmerman, Angharad James-Turner, and Evelyn Ijeh in the mix, the journey to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to be unforgettable.
All eyes will be on Uherské Hradište, Llanelli, and stadiums across Europe as the qualifiers get underway. The action is just beginning, and with so much at stake, anything can happen in the quest for World Cup glory.