FULL LIST: Ghana, South Africa learn 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff opponents

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

The two African nations are among six teams competing for places in the final phase of the intercontinental playoffs. Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei complete the lineup.

The draw was conducted at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026.

Full draw

Group A

• Uzbekistan
• South Africa

Group B

• Papua New Guinea
• Chinese Taipei

Group C

• Ghana
• Ecuador

Matchday 1

• Uzbekistan vs Papua New Guinea
• Chinese Taipei vs South Africa
• Ghana vs Ecuador

Matchday 2

• Uzbekistan vs Ghana
• South Africa vs Ecuador
• Papua New Guinea vs Chinese Taipei

Matchday 3

• South Africa vs Uzbekistan
• Papua New Guinea vs Ghana
• Chinese Taipei vs Ecuador

The preliminary phase will be played during the international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026. FIFA said the specific venues, dates and kick-off times will be announced later.

The top two teams in the preliminary-phase standings will advance to the final phase, where they will be joined by four directly qualified teams — two from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela from CONMEBOL.

The final phase is scheduled for 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 qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ghana secured its playoff place after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa claimed Africa’s other spot after overcoming Nigeria.

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

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