Banyana Banyana’s opponents for the World Cup play-offs revealed

20 August 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana will face Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan in the Preliminary Phase for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-off Tournament.

The draw was conducted at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland on Thursday, with matches scheduled to take place during the international window starting on 24 November and finishing on 5 December 2026 at a venue yet to be announced.

In the hat was South Africa and Ghana from CAF, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan from the AFC, Ecuador from CONMEBOL as well as Papua New Guinea from the OFC.

“It’s not an easy draw but it is doable provided we get off on a good start. This simply implies that the first game is the most important because you fail on this one and your job becomes even more harder. I have been saying there is no margin for error, but this is no way beyond that phrase because it is our last chance to get to the World Cup. Defeating Nigeria has given the players a confidence booster and I can tell you they were eager to know the draw, and I am certain now they are looking forward to the matches. With the identity of our opponents known, we are able to do our homework thoroughly and prepare well,” said Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis.

“It is also quite interesting that we have played Uzbekistan before but are yet to meet Chinese Taipei and Ecuador. We should focus on this phase of the competition and not think ahead of ourselves about the next stage. But we are confident that we can navigate our way to the top two. We are also fortunate that all our players will have plenty of minutes under their belts, added to that we will have a match in October, an Olympic qualifier, which should help us fine-tune the squad ahead of the play-offs. And I need to reiterate, the first match is going to be very important because by the second fixture you have an idea of where you stand.”

Only the top two teams from this mini tournament will progress to the final phase set to be played in February next year. This is where the duo will join four teams – one each from UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as two from CONCACAF. 

The last three standing after the single knockout matches will qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.

Africa’s Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and Morocco are among the already qualified 18 nations.

Source: Original report at SAFA.