FIFA selects Rabat to host 2027 Women's World Cup play-off phase

FIFA has officially designated Rabat, Morocco, as the host city for the preliminary phase of the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place from 28 November to 5 December 2026. This stage is a critical step for nations aiming to secure a place in the global tournament, which will be hosted in Brazil in 2027.

Six nations from across the globe will compete at the Mohammed VI Football Complex for a chance to advance to the final phase. The participating teams include Ghana and South Africa, alongside Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan. The choice of venue highlights Morocco's established infrastructure and its frequent role as a host for major international women's football events.

The stakes for this week-long preliminary tournament are significant, as only two slots are available for the final phase of the play-off tournament. For teams like Ghana’s Black Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the matches in Rabat represent a vital opportunity to maintain their pursuit of a World Cup appearance. The tournament format is designed to filter the field down to the most competitive challengers for the remaining global spots.

This selection by FIFA underscores Morocco's ongoing commitment to the development of the women's game and its position as a footballing hub in Africa. As the international football community turns its attention toward 2027, the results of this preliminary phase will determine which nations move one step closer to the 10th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.