By JKNewsMedia
GHANA AND South Africa have been drawn against Ecuador and Uzbekistan respectively in the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the draw held at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on August 20, 2026, placed Ghana in Group C with Ecuador, while South Africa will face Uzbekistan in Group A.
The six teams contesting the preliminary phase are Ghana, South Africa, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei, with the top two teams advancing to the final phase of the intercontinental play-offs.
Ghana will face Ecuador in its opening match before taking on Uzbekistan and then Papua New Guinea. South Africa will begin against Chinese Taipei, followed by a meeting with Ecuador before concluding the preliminary phase against Uzbekistan.
The preliminary phase will take place during the international window from November 24 to December 5, 2026. FIFA is expected to announce the specific venues, dates and kick-off times later.
The top two teams in the preliminary-phase standings will join four nations that qualify directly for the final phase, with two coming from CONCACAF, one from UEFA and Venezuela representing 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 secure the remaining three places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana reached the play-offs after defeating Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa secured Africa’s other place after overcoming Nigeria.
Also, Ghana will be seeking a return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, while South Africa will target a third consecutive appearance after featuring at the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Thereafter, 2027 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, becoming the first edition of the women’s tournament to be hosted in South America.
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