KINGSTON – As part of their preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, Jamaica’s national women’s football team will face off against France and South Africa in two upcoming friendly internationals later this year, according to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The Reggae Girlz, ranked 42nd in the world, will first meet 10th-ranked France on October 25 at the Stade Auguste-Bonal in France. This match will serve as a rematch of their historic 2023 World Cup encounter, where the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw, securing Jamaica’s first-ever point at a Women’s World Cup.
The Jamaican side will then return home to face 50th-ranked South Africa in a pair of friendly matches on November 29 and December 2. This will be the first meeting between the two nations since their 1-1 draw in April 2019 in Durban.
The importance of these friendlies
JFF president Michael Ricketts emphasized the importance of these friendlies as part of the team’s journey towards World Cup qualification.
“We want to give our Reggae Girlz the best opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and we feel these upcoming friendly internationals to close out 2024 are beneficial to the coaching staff and players,” said Ricketts.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers are set to begin in CONCACAF in 2025, with the region granted four automatic spots for the tournament, which will be hosted by Brazil. Two additional teams from CONCACAF will also have a chance to qualify via the Intercontinental playoffs.
These friendlies against France and South Africa mark crucial steps in the Reggae Girlz’ preparation as they seek to build on their recent World Cup achievements and aim for their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
