Ghana Draw Ecuador, South Africa Face Uzbekistan in 2027 World Cup Playoffs

Ghana Draw Ecuador, South Africa Face Uzbekistan in 2027 World Cup Playoffs

By Niyi Busari 

Ghana and South Africa have discovered the opponents standing between them and qualification for the final stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 playoffs following the preliminary tournament draw in Zurich, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The two African nations are among six teams set to contest the preliminary phase of the intercontinental playoff tournament. Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei complete the six-team lineup.

The draw, conducted at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on August 20, placed the teams into three groups of two. However, each side will play three matches during the preliminary tournament, with the fixtures structured to determine the two teams that will progress to the final playoff stage.

Ghana were drawn in Group C alongside Ecuador, while South Africa were placed in Group A with Uzbekistan. Group B comprises Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.

The opening round of matches will see Uzbekistan take on Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei face South Africa, while Ghana meet Ecuador.

On matchday two, Uzbekistan will battle Ghana, South Africa will face Ecuador and Papua New Guinea will take on Chinese Taipei.

The final round of fixtures will see South Africa face Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea play Ghana and Chinese Taipei meet Ecuador.

The preliminary tournament is scheduled to take place during the FIFA international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026. FIFA is yet to confirm the venues, dates and kick-off times for the individual fixtures.

The top two teams from the preliminary tournament will advance to the final playoff stage, where they will be joined by four teams that have already secured places in that round. The four include two representatives from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela from CONMEBOL.

The final playoff phase is scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027. The six teams will be divided into three playoff paths, with each path decided by a single-match tie. The three winners will secure the final three tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ghana earned their place in the playoff tournament after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa claimed Africa’s other available slot by overcoming Nigeria.

For Ghana, the playoffs provide an opportunity to end a long wait for a return to the global stage. The Black Queens last appeared at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007 and will be determined to secure a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

South Africa, meanwhile, are seeking a third successive World Cup appearance. Banyana Banyana featured at the 2019 and 2023 editions and must now successfully navigate the playoff route to extend their presence on the world stage.

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