Ten countries have been divided into three groups, with the winner of each earning a spot at the World Cup which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in July and August.

Group A at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton will see Cameroon face Thailand in a semi-final for the right to meet Portugal in the final.

The winner of that match will be placed into Group E of the World Cup, alongside defending champions the United States.

The Netherlands, who the Americans beat in the final four years ago, and Vietnam are also in a tough looking group.

Portugal were forced to drop into the event in New Zealand despite victory in the UEFA play-offs in October, as they were the lowest ranked country to win their tie.

Their world ranking of 22 makes them the best rated side at the tournament and they warmed up in ominous fashion by beating New Zealand 5-0 in a friendly today.

Group B at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium features a semi-final between Senegal and Haiti, for the right to face Chile for a spot at the World Cup.

The winners will go into Group D later in the year with European champions England, Denmark and China.

Chile, who earned their place in the play-off tournament by finishing fifth at the Copa América Femenina, were beaten 4-0 by Argentina in a friendly today.

In Group C, four teams will take part with two semi-finals and a final.

Chinese Taipei will meet Paraguay in Hamilton, with Papua New Guinea taking on Panama in Auckland.

Hamilton will then stage the final, with the winners entering Group F of the World Cup with France, Copa América Femenina winners Brazil and Jamaica.

All of the teams competing narrowly missed out on qualifying for the World Cup through their continental routes, and have another chance.

Cameroon versus Thailand and Senegal against Haiti will be the first games tomorrow.

The Group A and B finals is set to be on February 22, with the Group C final on February 23.