It’s playoff time for Ghana and South Africa as both nations gear up for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil. The draw, held at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich on Thursday, August 20, has thrown them into the deep end of the preliminary intercontinental playoff tournament.
Ghana's Black Queens will be battling it out against Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Papua New Guinea in their group. Meanwhile, South Africa's Banyana Banyana are set to face Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, and Uzbekistan. It’s a challenging path, as each team will play three matches between November 24 and December 5, 2026, with only the top two teams from this preliminary round advancing.
For Ghana, this playoff route presents a significant opportunity. The Black Queens haven't graced the Women's World Cup stage since 2007. Making it to Brazil would mark a triumphant return after a 20-year absence. They earned their spot in these playoffs by beating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in their qualifying campaign.
South Africa, on the other hand, is aiming for a third consecutive appearance at the global showpiece. Banyana Banyana have been a steady presence, having featured in the 2019 and 2023 editions. Their ticket to the playoffs was punched by defeating rivals Nigeria in a hard-fought qualification round.
These preliminary matches are just the first hurdle. The top two teams from this phase will then move on to the final playoff tournament. There, they’ll meet four other teams that have already secured direct qualification from their respective confederations: two from CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean), one from UEFA (Europe), and Venezuela from CONMEBOL (South America).
The final playoff, scheduled from February 23 to March 6, 2027, will be a tense affair. Six teams will be split into three 'paths'. Each path will be decided by a single, high-stakes knockout match. The three winners from these decisive encounters will secure the remaining slots at the 2027 Women's World Cup.
FIFA hasn't announced the specific venues, dates, and kick-off times for the preliminary phase matches yet. Ghana starts its campaign against Ecuador, followed by Uzbekistan, and then Papua New Guinea. South Africa will kick off its challenge against Chinese Taipei, then face Ecuador, and finally Uzbekistan.
The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup itself is set to make history as the first edition to be hosted in South America. Brazil will play host from June 24 to July 25, 2027. It's a massive stage, and both Ghana and South Africa will be fighting tooth and nail for a chance to be there.