The four nations reached the WAFCON semi-finals, securing Africa’s first tickets to next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Rabat, Morocco (Running Africa) — Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Malawi have officially qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after booking their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The four nations secured the automatic qualification spots reserved for Africa’s WAFCON semi-finalists, with Algeria and Malawi making history through landmark victories, while Morocco and Cameroon continued their impressive runs on the continental stage.
The results mark a defining moment for African women’s football, showcasing both emerging nations and established powers ahead of the global tournament in Brazil.
Algeria Qualifies for First-Ever FIFA Women’s World Cup
Algeria wrote a new chapter in the nation’s football history by securing qualification for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating the Ivory Coast 2-1.
The Ivorians struck first before the match turned following the dismissal of N’Sira Ouedraogo. Algeria capitalized on their numerical advantage as Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham scored to complete a memorable comeback and send the Desert Foxes into the semi-finals.
Hosts Morocco Continue Dream WAFCON Campaign
Tournament hosts Morocco delighted home supporters by defeating defending champions South Africa 2-1 to secure another Women’s World Cup appearance.
Goals from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Hanane Ait El Haj sealed victory for the Atlas Lionesses, who continue their pursuit of a first-ever WAFCON title after finishing runners-up in recent editions.
Cameroon Knock Out Nigeria
Cameroon booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria, ending the Super Falcons’ hopes of another continental crown.
The decisive moment came from 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou, whose stunning long-range free-kick proved enough to send the Indomitable Lionesses into the semi-finals and secure their return to the Women’s World Cup.
Malawi Stun Ghana to Make History
The tournament’s biggest surprise came from Malawi, ranked 153rd in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, who produced a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Ghana.
After falling behind, the Scorchers responded through star striker Temwa Chawinga before Rose Kadzere completed the turnaround, sealing Malawi’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The victory represents one of the greatest achievements in Malawian football history and highlights the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa.
WAFCON Semi-Finals Set
The 2026 WAFCON semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, with two blockbuster fixtures deciding who advances to the continental final:
- Morocco vs Cameroon
- Algeria vs Malawi
The winners will move one step closer to lifting Africa’s biggest prize in women’s football.
Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast still have the World Cup Hope
Although eliminated in the quarter-finals, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast remain in contention for places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The four teams will compete in the WAFCON qualification playoffs, with the Ivory Coast facing Ghana and Nigeria taking on South Africa.
The two winners will advance to FIFA’s 10-team intercontinental playoffs, where three additional World Cup places will be available.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil from 24 June to 25 July, with Africa now guaranteed at least four representatives—and potentially six—on the world’s biggest stage.
