Ghana, South Africa clinch African slots for 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs
Ghana and South Africa secured the two African spots for the 2027 Women's World Cup Inter-Confederation play-offs after winning their African play-off matches on Thursday night. The Black Queens came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1, while Bayana Bayana held on to beat Nigeria 2-1 despite being reduced to 10 men in stoppage time. Both teams now advance to a six-team preliminary round in the Inter-Confederation play-offs.
From this preliminary round, only two countries will progress to the final play-off phase, where they will join four nations that receive direct byes. The final play-off phase will determine the last two World Cup slots available to confederations outside the traditional qualifying zones. Nigeria's elimination means the Super Falcons will not be competing for a 2027 World Cup berth through this African pathway.
The Inter-Confederation play-offs represent the final opportunity for teams from regions like Africa, Asia, and Oceania to qualify for the 2027 tournament in Brazil. With Ghana and South Africa advancing, continental hopes now rest on their performance in the upcoming six-team mini-tournament, where match details and dates are yet to be announced.
Given Nigeria's recent exit and the competitive path remaining for Ghana and South Africa, which team do you believe has the stronger chance to navigate the play-offs and secure Brazil 2027 qualification?