2027 Women’s World Cup: 7 countries qualify for Intercontinental Play-Offs

The race for the final places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is taking shape, with seven countries now set to compete in the intercontinental play-offs for the remaining tournament spots.

Ghana and South Africa became Africa’s representatives after winning their respective play-off matches on Thursday. Ghana defeated Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa eliminated Nigeria to secure their place in the intercontinental stage.

The qualification process will determine the final teams joining the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Brazil.

Ghana and South Africa lead Africa's challenge

Ghana and South Africa secured Africa's two available places in the intercontinental play-offs after victories over Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. South Africa's win was particularly significant, as it ended Nigeria's hopes of reaching the tournament.

The defeat means the Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since the competition began in 1991, ending their remarkable record of appearing at every previous edition.

Ghana and South Africa, meanwhile, will now continue their qualification campaigns with the opportunity to claim a place at the 2027 tournament.

Five countries await in first round

Ghana and South Africa will be joined by Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Venezuela and Papua New Guinea in the intercontinental play-off competition. The seven teams will compete for the remaining World Cup places, with the opening stage designed to reduce the field before the final play-off round.

The first-round participants will be drawn against one another, with only two teams progressing from that stage.

Four teams enter at final play-off stage

The two winners from the opening round will then join four teams from UEFA, OFC and CONMEBOL that have been given direct entry into the final play-off stage.

This will create a six-team field. The six remaining teams will then be divided into three separate paths, with each path decided by a single knockout match. The three winners will secure the final three places at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

How the 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs work

The intercontinental qualification process will therefore consist of two stages:

• First round: Seven teams compete, with two advancing.
• Final play-off stage: The two first-round winners join four directly seeded teams.
• Three paths: The six teams are divided into three knockout paths.
• Final qualification: The three winners of those matches qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

With the tournament expanding to 32 teams, the intercontinental play-offs will provide one of the final routes into the competition.

Nigeria's historic World Cup absence

One of the biggest stories from the qualification process is Nigeria's elimination. The Super Falcons had qualified for every previous Women's World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991. Their defeat to South Africa therefore represents a historic setback for one of Africa's most successful women's national teams.

South Africa, on the other hand, have kept their hopes of reaching the global tournament alive and will now represent Africa alongside Ghana in the intercontinental play-offs.

The final qualification stage will determine which three nations join the already qualified teams at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

SportsLigue