Papua New Guinea’s dream of a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ has become clearer, following the draw for the preliminary phase of the Playoff Tournament.
After their final 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland earlier this year, the Bilums will now face Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei and Ghana, as they look to advance to the final phase next year.
Two teams will advance from the preliminary phase, to be joined by four other nations to determine the final three teams to qualify for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
The preliminary phase will take place at a centralised venue in November and December of this year. The host and match schedule will be confirmed by FIFA in due course.
Full draw
Match Day 1
Uzbekistan v Papua New Guinea
Chinese Taipei v South Africa
Ghana v Ecuador
Match Day 2
Uzbekistan v Ghana
South Africa v Ecuador
Papua New Guinea v Chinese Taipei
Match Day 3
South Africa v Uzbekistan
Papua New Guinea v Ghana
Chinese Taipei v Ecuador