Black Queens to open World Cup play-off push against Ecuador in Rabat
The Black Queens now know exactly what stands between them and a first Women's World Cup appearance since 2007. Rabat, the Moroccan capital, will host the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament, where Ghana will face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea.
The fixtures
According to the Ghanaian Times, Ghana's schedule is:
- Saturday, November 28: Ghana v Ecuador
- Tuesday, December 1: Uzbekistan v Ghana
- Saturday, December 5: Papua New Guinea v Ghana
South Africa and Chinese Taipei complete the six-team preliminary phase, which runs from November 24 to December 5.
How it works
The tournament will decide the final three places at the 32-team World Cup in Brazil, which runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027. Ghana must finish in the top two of the preliminary phase to reach the final phase in February, according to the Ghanaian Times. That final phase is played as single-elimination ties, with the three winners qualifying, Adomonline reports.
The road so far
Ghana's hopes of automatic qualification ended with a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Malawi at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. But the Black Queens kept their World Cup dream alive by beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in an African play-off in Casablanca, ModernGhana reports.
The team arrives in good form. Last month, Kim Lars Björkegren's side beat Mauritius 10-0 on aggregate to reach the third round of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games, sealing the tie with a 7-0 win at the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi.
A busy month for the coach
The play-offs come at a demanding time for Björkegren, who will first lead the Black Stars on an interim basis in their two AFCON qualifiers against Somalia on November 12 and 16. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has said he does not believe the extra role will hinder the Black Queens' preparations, according to MyJoyOnline.
Defender Josephine Bonsu has warned that the play-offs will not be easy, MyJoyOnline reported.
A long wait
Ghana have appeared at three Women's World Cups, in 1999, 2003 and 2007, according to Flashscore. Ending a wait of almost two decades will require three strong performances in Rabat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons