“Last Chance To Get To The World Cup” — Ellis Breaks Down Banyana’s Crucial Play-Off Draw
As Banyana Banyana prepare to face Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan in the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament, coach Desiree Ellis believes South Africa can qualify for the World Cup if they make a strong start.
The draw was conducted at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, with matches scheduled to take place during the international window from 24 November to 5 December 2026 at a venue yet to be announced.
South Africa and Ghana represented CAF in the draw, alongside Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan from the AFC, Ecuador from CONMEBOL and Papua New Guinea from the OFC.
“It’s not an easy draw, but it is doable provided we get off to a good start. This simply means that the first game is the most important because if you fail in that one, your job becomes even more difficult,” said Ellis.
“I have been saying there is no margin for error, but this goes beyond that phrase because it is our last chance to get to the World Cup. Defeating Nigeria has given the players a confidence boost, and I can tell you they were eager to know the draw. I am certain they are now looking forward to the matches.
“With the identity of our opponents known, we are able to do our homework thoroughly and prepare well.
“It is also quite interesting that we have played Uzbekistan before but are yet to face Chinese Taipei and Ecuador. We should focus on this phase of the competition and not think too far ahead about the next stage. But we are confident that we can navigate our way into 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 that 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, which is scheduled to be played in February next year. They will join four teams – one each from UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as two from CONCACAF.
The last three teams standing after the single-match knockout ties will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Africa’s Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and Morocco are among the 18 nations that have already qualified.
