The group stage of European zone qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ concluded on Tuesday, with Germany, Norway and Sweden securing an eighth straight appearance at the competition, while Scotland claimed their maiden berth at women’s football’s showpiece event.

Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland will battle for the final European qualifying spot, with the draw taking place on Friday. Played over two legs, the semi-final play-offs will be played on 1 and 9 October 2018, with the two winners to contest the final play-off on 5 and 13 November 2018.

In Group 2, a second-half goal by Jane Ross earned Scotland a decisive 2-1 victory in Albania to ensure they will be making their Women’s World Cup debut next year after group rivals Switzerland were held to a goalless draw in Poland.

1995 world champions Norway defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in Oslo to win Group 3 and force the reigning European champions into the play-offs. They are joined by fellow Scandinavians and Women’s World Cup regulars Sweden, who edged hosts Denmark 1-0 in Viborg to win Group 4.

Two-time Women’s World Cup winners Germany followed on from Saturday’s crucial win in Iceland by topping Group 5 with an emphatic 8-0 victory in the Faroe Islands.

The quartet join tournament hosts France and fellow European qualifiers England, Italy and Spain in booking their tickets to next year’s competition.

The 2019 Women’s World Cup will commence on 7 June, with the final taking place in Lyon on 7 July.