Ghana, South Africa learn 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off opponents

Six teams will contest the preliminary phase of the 2027 Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament, with three two-team groups drawn in Zurich. The matches will be played during the international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026, with venues, dates and kick-off times still to be confirmed by FIFA.

South Africa were placed in Group A with Uzbekistan, while Ghana will face Ecuador in Group C. Group B brings together Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei. The top two teams in the preliminary-phase standings will move into the final phase of the qualifying tournament.

The match schedule begins with Uzbekistan playing Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei meeting South Africa and Ghana taking on Ecuador. On the second matchday, Uzbekistan face Ghana, South Africa play Ecuador and Papua New Guinea meet Chinese Taipei.

South Africa’s final preliminary-phase fixture will be against Uzbekistan. The remaining third-round games are Papua New Guinea versus Ghana and Chinese Taipei against Ecuador. The six teams will each play three matches under the tournament format.

The final phase is scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027. It will include the two preliminary-phase qualifiers and four directly qualified teams: two from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela from CONMEBOL. Those six nations will be split into three paths, with each path decided by one match. The three winners will secure the remaining World Cup places.

Ghana earned its play-off place by defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa progressed after eliminating Nigeria. South Africa finished second at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with four points from three matches and a 4-4 goal record. Their latest five results are three wins and two defeats, including victories over Japan and Algeria. Ghana will be seeking its first World Cup appearance since 2007, while South Africa are aiming for a third successive appearance after qualifying for the 2019 and 2023 editions. Brazil will host the 2027 tournament from June 24 to July 25.