Sakina Karchaoui's stunning long-distance goal helped secure France's place at Women's Euro 2025 on Friday as they triumphed 2-1 against Sweden in League A qualifying, while England moved closer to qualification with a win over the Republic of Ireland.

In Dijon, France took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Karchaoui unleashed an unstoppable strike from over 30 yards out. Sweden equalized through Josefine Rybrink four minutes after the break, but Marie-Antoinette Katoto restored France's lead in the 74th minute by capitalizing on a loose ball at a corner.

This victory ensured France a top-two finish in Group A3. Sweden and England will face each other in a crucial match in Gothenburg on Tuesday to determine who progresses.

Current European champions England moved three points ahead of Sweden with a 2-1 victory over Ireland in Norwich. Alessia Russo scored five minutes into the match, and Georgia Stanway added a penalty goal 12 minutes into the second half. Julie-Ann Russell scored Ireland's first goal of the qualifying campaign in the game's dying moments.

In Group A4, Iceland secured their place in the tournament with a 3-0 win over already-qualified Germany, thanks to goals from Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, Alexandra Johannsdottir, and Sveindis Jonsdottir. Despite Austria's 3-1 win over Poland, they can no longer advance due to Iceland's victory.

A dramatic 98th-minute equalizer by Finland's Emma Koivisto resulted in a 1-1 draw with Norway in the fiercely contested Group A1. The Netherlands drew 0-0 with Italy at home, missing the chance to be the first team to qualify from the group. All four teams remain separated by just three points, with Norway hosting the Netherlands and Finland traveling to Italy on the final matchday.

Reigning world champions Spain, who have already won Group A2, were unexpectedly defeated 2-1 by the Czech Republic, as goals from Katerina Svitkova and Eva Bartonova overturned Aitana Bonmati's opener. Denmark joined Spain at Euro 2025 with a 3-0 win against Belgium, secured by an own goal from Janice Cayman, and strikes from Pernille Harder and Sara Holmgaard.