Ghana, South Africa qualify for 2027 Women's World Cup playoffs

Ghana and South Africa secured Africa's two places in the interconfederation playoffs for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup after both nations recorded crucial victories in Casablanca on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The results ended the World Cup qualification hopes of Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire.

The Black Queens of Ghana booked their spot first, coming from behind to defeat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1. Inès Konan gave the Ivorian side an early lead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute. Ghana responded after halftime, with Princess Marfo equalizing before Josephine Bonsu scored the winner with 18 minutes remaining. The victory sent Ghana through to the 10-team interconfederation playoffs, where they will compete for one of three remaining World Cup places.

In the later fixture, South Africa's Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria's Super Falcons 2-1, ending Nigeria's hopes of maintaining its record of appearing at every FIFA Women's World Cup. The win means the two-time WAFCON champions will represent Africa alongside Ghana in the playoffs.

Both playoff matches were decisive encounters for teams that had been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria...