Algeria and Morocco Secure 2027 Women’s World Cup Tickets After WAFCON Quarter-Final Wins
North African powerhouses Algeria and Morocco have officially booked their places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after winning their respective quarter-final clashes at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Under Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, all four semi-finalists at WAFCON earn automatic qualification to the global tournament.
Historic First for Algeria as Morocco Defeats Defending Champions
Algeria created history by securing their first-ever qualification for the Women’s World Cup following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire. After falling behind to an early Ines Konan opener, the Fennecs took advantage of a red card shown to Ivorian player N’Sira Ouedraogo. Second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Braham turned the match around, sending Algeria into their maiden WAFCON semi-final and sealing a spot in Brazil.
Hosts Morocco also confirmed their second consecutive World Cup appearance with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending African champions South Africa. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring for the Atlas Lionesses before Hanane Ait El Haj doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Despite a late consolation goal from Thembi Kgatlana, Morocco held firm to advance to the last four.
Race for Remaining African Slots Continues
Two more automatic African qualification spots remain up for grabs as the remaining WAFCON quarter-final fixtures conclude:
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Cameroon vs. Nigeria: A high-stakes clash where the winner earns an automatic ticket to Brazil 2027.
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Malawi vs. Ghana: The victor will claim the fourth direct semi-final and World Cup slot.
For defeated quarter-finalists Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, the path to the World Cup remains open through the play-off route. Both teams will face off on August 13 in a classification match, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs alongside another defeated quarter-finalist for a final opportunity to reach Brazil 2027.
