South Africa name 23-player squad for Women’s World Cup play-offs in Morocco

South Africa head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a 23-player squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 play-offs, which will be held in Morocco from 28 November to 5 December 2026.

The squad largely retains the group involved in the recent Olympic qualification matches against Madagascar in Bloemfontein. Denmark-based midfielder Sibulele Holweni returns to the Banyana Banyana set-up and receives her first call-up since moving to Europe last month.

“We had identified other players, but because of examinations, injuries and unavailable passports, we had to leave them out,” said Ellis.

“However, we are happy with the players selected because they make up a balanced squad which we believe will enable us to achieve the results we want in Morocco.”

South Africa will be without captain Refiloe Jane for their opening match. She is suspended for one game after receiving two yellow cards in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-off against Nigeria in August.

The preliminary play-off tournament will be staged at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

South Africa begin their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday, 28 November at 16:00 South African time. They face Ecuador in their second match on Tuesday, 1 December at 21:00, before completing the mini-tournament against Uzbekistan on Saturday, 5 December at 19:00.

Ghana and Papua New Guinea will also take part in the competition. Only the top two teams from the play-offs will progress to the final qualification stage, which is scheduled for February next year.

Six teams will compete in that final stage for three World Cup places, with the fixtures decided by knockout matches. The two qualifiers from the play-offs will be joined by four additional teams: one from UEFA, one from CONMEBOL and two from CONCACAF.

The three winners of the final stage will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

The Banyana Banyana squad will assemble for camp on 18 November 2026 before travelling to Morocco the following day.