FULL LIST: FIFA releases 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff fixtures

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 that will compete in the preliminary phase for places in the final phase of the intercontinental playoffs. The others are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.

The draw, sighted on FIFA’s website on Sunday, was held at the body’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026.

There are three groups of two teams, with each team scheduled to play three matches.

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 said the venues, dates and kick-off times for the individual matches would be confirmed later.

The top two teams in the preliminary-phase standings will advance to the final phase, where they will join four teams that qualify directly — two from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela representing CONMEBOL.

The final phase will take place during the international window 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 final three places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ghana reached the playoffs after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa secured Africa’s other playoff place after beating Nigeria.

Ghana will be seeking to return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, while South Africa will be aiming to make it to a third consecutive edition after appearing at the 2019 and 2023 tournaments.

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