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International preview: Key WWC qualifiers

Katie McCabe for Ireland

Several of our Gunners are in international action this week, as their national sides look to secure places in next year's Women's World Cup.

Katie McCabe will be donning the armband against Finland (Sep 1) and Slovakia (Sep 6), as Ireland aim to book a slot in the World Cup play-offs. 

Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Jordan Nobbs take on Manu Zinsberger and Laura Wienroither's Austrian side on September 3. England's Lionesses only need a draw with Austria in order to automatically qualify for the World Cup. Austria currently sit in the Group D play-off spot and can only automatically qualify for the competition if England drop points. 

Vivianne Miedema and Jen Beattie will meet in a Netherlands and Scotland friendly on September 2. In the qualifiers, the Netherlands will meet second-place Iceland on September 6 and can qualify automatically with any result besides a loss. Scotland, meanwhile, take on the Faroe Islands in their final qualifier, knowing that their play-off spot is safe. 

Frida Maanum and Norway will be looking to build on a disappointing Euros performance when they meet Belgium (Sep 2) and Albania (Sep 6). They have secured a play-off place but can still qualify automatically as group winners. 

World Cup qualification is already guaranteed for Stina Blackstenius and Lina Hurtig's Sweden, and they will play their final Group A match against Finland on September 6.   

Brazil have their World Cup place courtesy of winning the Copa América Femenina, but Rafaelle Souza will be in the squad as they take on South Africa in two consecutive games (Sep 2, Sep 5). 

Lia Wälti and Noelle Maritz will also be looking to help Switzerland cinch their qualifying spot as they take on Croatia (Sep 2) and Moldova (Sep 6). They currently sit 2nd in Group G, behind Italy.

As 2023 World Cup co-hosts, Australia have already qualified for the tournament. Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley will feature as the Matildas face Canada twice during this international break (Sep 3, 6)