By The Voice of Women Sport
CASABLANCA, Morocco Algeria have written a new chapter in their women’s football history, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to secure a place in the semi-finals and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Saturday’s victory in Casablanca was about far more than progression at WAFCON. With the four semi-finalists earning Africa’s direct qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Algeria entered the match knowing that one victory would take them onto the biggest stage in women’s football. They delivered when it mattered.
Algeria Fight Back to Make History
Côte d’Ivoire struck first through Inès Konan, who opened the scoring in the 29th minute and briefly put the Ivorians in control of the contest.
The match changed significantly before half-time when Côte d’Ivoire were reduced to 10 players, leaving Algeria with an opportunity to turn the quarter-final around.
They took full advantage after the interval.
Substitute Inès Khiri brought Algeria level in the 58th minute before Amira Ould Braham completed the comeback six minutes later.
From there, Algeria protected their advantage and closed out a 2–1 victory that will be remembered as one of the most important results in the history of the country’s women’s national team.
The final whistle confirmed two achievements: a first WAFCON semi-final appearance and, more significantly, a historic first qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Morocco Continue Their Journey
Hosts Morocco also advanced after defeating South Africa 2–1 in Saturday’s other quarter-final.
The result keeps Morocco’s dream of winning a first WAFCON title on home soil alive and places them among the final four teams in the continental championship.
For South Africa, the defeat ends their pursuit of the African title at the quarter-final stage, although their hopes of reaching Brazil are not necessarily over.
The losing quarter-finalists remain involved in the additional African qualification pathway that can eventually provide access to the FIFA intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria and Cameroon Prepare for Heavyweight Battle
Attention now turns to the remaining quarter-finals, with Cameroon facing Nigeria in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Few fixtures carry as much history in African women’s football. Nigeria remain the continent’s most decorated women’s national team, but Cameroon arrive at the knockout stage unbeaten and with the confidence of a side capable of challenging the established order.
There is also an added prize that could transform the pressure surrounding the match: the winner will secure direct qualification for Brazil 2027.
For Nigeria, it is another opportunity to maintain their remarkable presence on the global stage. For Cameroon, victory would mark a major return to the World Cup.
Malawi’s Remarkable Journey Faces Ghana Test
The other quarter-final brings together Malawi and Ghana, with both nations standing just 90 minutes away from a World Cup ticket.
Malawi have been one of the stories of WAFCON 2026. Their fearless performances during the group stage demonstrated that they are no longer simply participants at this level. Their stunning 3–2 victory over Nigeria was one of the tournament’s biggest results and provided further evidence of the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.
Ghana, however, bring greater experience at major international tournaments and will understand exactly what is at stake.
For Malawi, victory would complete one of the most remarkable qualification stories in recent African women’s football.
For Ghana, it would mark a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a long absence from the competition.
The Road to Brazil Is Getting Shorter
WAFCON 2026 has now reached the point where continental ambition and World Cup qualification have become inseparable.
Algeria have already made history. Morocco have moved into the semi-finals. Nigeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Ghana now prepare to fight for the remaining places as the knockout stage continues.
By the conclusion of the quarter-finals, Africa will know the four WAFCON semi-finalists who have secured direct passage to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For some nations, it will be confirmation of their place among Africa’s elite. For others, it could be the beginning of an entirely new football history.
WAFCON 2026 is no longer only a race for the African crown. It has become a race to Brazil.
