Ghana and South Africa have discovered their opponents in the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament following the draw held at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on August 20, 2026.
The two African nations are among six teams competing in the preliminary phase for places in the final stage of the intercontinental play-offs. The other teams are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.
Full Draw
Group A
Uzbekistan
South Africa
Group B
Papua New Guinea
Chinese Taipei
Group C
Ghana
Ecuador
Matchday 1
Uzbekistan v Papua New Guinea
Chinese Taipei v South Africa
Ghana v Ecuador
Matchday 2
Uzbekistan v Ghana
South Africa v Ecuador
Papua New Guinea v Chinese Taipei
Matchday 3
South Africa v Uzbekistan
Papua New Guinea v Ghana
Chinese Taipei v Ecuador
The preliminary phase will be played during the international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026. FIFA is expected to announce the specific venues, dates and kick-off times later.
The top two teams in the preliminary-phase standings will advance to the final phase, where they will join four nations that qualify directly — two from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela representing CONMEBOL.
The final phase is scheduled to take place from February 23 to March 6, 2027. The six teams will be divided into three paths, with each path decided by a single-match tie. The three winners will secure the remaining three places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana booked its place in the play-offs after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa secured Africa’s other spot after overcoming Nigeria.
Ghana will be seeking a return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, while South Africa will target a third consecutive appearance after featuring at the 2019 and 2023 editions.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, becoming the first edition of the women’s tournament to be staged in South America.
