Wiegman says contract talks are secondary as England prepare for World Cup play-off with Greece

Sarina Wiegman has made a clear public choice about priorities: qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup comes first. Her contract as England manager expires after next year's tournament, but she told reporters her focus is squarely on the immediate task — the two-legged play-off semi-final against Greece.

Wiegman named her squad for the play-off and was asked about contract talks. She confirmed there have been conversations with the FA, including regular fortnightly contact with FA CEO Mark Bullingham, and said they discuss both present preparations and the future. Still, she said, "there's no news now. I'm just focusing on Greece and hopefully the World Cup."

England reached the play-offs after finishing second in a qualifying group that included Spain, Iceland and Ukraine. The Lionesses and Spain finished level on 15 points, but Spain took top spot because of a superior head-to-head record following a 4-0 defeat of England. That result forced England into the extra qualification stage.

Wiegman's recent managerial record is a long list of major tournament appearances. She has led England to back-to-back European Championship titles and guided her teams to the World Cup final in 2023. She is the first manager — men's or women's — to reach five consecutive major international tournament finals, a run that spans her time with the Netherlands and England.

The immediate sequence for England is straightforward: get past Greece in the two-legged semi-final, then win the subsequent match against either Slovakia or Ukraine to secure a place in the World Cup. For Wiegman, that path is the only thing that matters at the moment.

The squad selection also attracted attention. Wiegman left out notable names such as Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, prompting commentary in other outlets about her decisions. Wiegman defended the choices by framing selection as competitive and performance-based, and she said the omitted players still have her support.

Practical implications for readers and followers: watch the Greece tie as the immediate barometer of England's chances in the World Cup cycle. Contract negotiations are ongoing at an administrative level, but any formal developments will come after the qualification process. Until then, Wiegman's public stance is focused and unambiguous: qualification first.

• The two-legged play-off semi-final versus Greece. A win puts England into the final play-off match for a World Cup spot.

Bottom line: Wiegman is maintaining a results-first approach. Contract status remains an administrative matter talked about with FA leadership, but it is not influencing Hungary's public preparations for the Greece play-off.