A pair of nations from Africa secure spots in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification playoffs

Ghana and South Africa have claimed Africa's two spots in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, following crucial wins in Casablanca on Thursday, with both countries now set to compete for a place in the tournament.

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The Black Queens secured their position after overcoming a deficit to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, with Inès Konan initially giving the Elephants a lead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.

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Ghana's response after the break was strong, as Princess Marfo equalized and Josephine Bonsu sealed the comeback with 18 minutes remaining, thereby booking the Black Queens' place in the 10-team inter-confederation play-offs.

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This play-offs spot will see the Black Queens vie for one of the three remaining World Cup places, as they join nine other teams in the competition.

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South Africa later joined Ghana in the inter-confederation play-offs, after the Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria 2-1, ending the Super Falcons' hopes of reaching the tournament for the first time in their history.

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The victory for South Africa, two-time WAFCON champions, means they will represent Africa alongside Ghana in the inter-confederation play-offs, which are scheduled to take place across two international windows between November 2026 and February 2027.

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The 10 participating teams in the play-offs will be divided into three mini-tournaments, with the winners of each securing the final three places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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Ghana and South Africa will therefore have another chance to secure their places at the global tournament, after missing out on direct qualification through the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations route.