FIFA has confirmed that Rabat, Morocco, will host the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 Play-Off Tournament from 28 November to 5 December 2026.
Six nations, Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Uzbekistan will compete in a nine-match tournament at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with the top two teams advancing to the final play-off phase in February 2027.
The opening fixtures will see Uzbekistan take on Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei face South Africa, and Ghana meet Ecuador.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Ghana’s Black Queens will represent Africa as they look to keep their hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece alive.
Banyana Banyana will begin their campaign against Chinese Taipei, while Ghana will open against Ecuador. Both sides will need strong performances to finish among the top two teams and progress to the next stage.
Road to Brazil 2027
The preliminary phase forms part of a two-stage play-off tournament that will determine the final three qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The two teams advancing from Rabat will join four nations entering directly into the final phase: two from Concacaf, one from South America’s CONMEBOL and one from Europe’s UEFA.
The six teams will compete across three qualification paths, with each path producing a winner who will secure a place at the World Cup.
Progression from the preliminary phase will bring Banyana Banyana and the Black Queens a step closer to qualification, but neither side has a guarantee for a spot in Brazil.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July, for the first time in South America.
Morocco’s selection as host further strengthens its position as a venue for major international women’s football competitions, with the Mohammed VI Football Complex also hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.