FIFA Unveils 2027 Women’s World Cup Play-Off Fixtures

Ghana and South Africa have learned their opponents for the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament following Thursday’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland.

The two African sides are among six teams competing for places in the final stage of the intercontinental play-offs. The other teams are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.

The draw was conducted at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026, with the results published on FIFA’s website on Sunday.

Full Draw

Group A

Group B

• Papua New Guinea
• Chinese Taipei

Group C

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 is scheduled for the international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026. FIFA said the venues, dates and kick-off times for the matches would be announced at a later date.

The top two teams from the preliminary phase will progress to the final stage, joining four nations that qualify directly — two from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela from CONMEBOL.

The final stage will be held during the February 23–March 6, 2027 international window. The six participating teams will be divided into three paths, with each path determined by a single-match tie. The three winners will claim the final three spots at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ghana booked its play-off place after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa secured Africa’s other spot by overcoming Nigeria.

Ghana will be hoping to return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007. South Africa, meanwhile, will be targeting a third consecutive appearance after featuring at the 2019 and 2023 editions.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, marking the first time the women’s tournament will be staged in South America.