Morocco and Algeria advance to WAFCON semifinals, securing 2027 World Cup spots
Hosts Morocco and Algeria both won their quarter-finals, moving into the WAFCON semifinals and clinching qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
In a night of triumph for North Africa, Morocco and Algeria each secured a spot in the Women’s Africa of Nations semifinals and earned qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Morocco held off South Africa in Rabat, taking a 2-0 lead through Sakina Ouzraoui and a penalty by Hanane Ait El Haj before Thembi Kgatlana reduced the margin. Algeria rallied in Casablanca after falling behind to Ivory Coast, capitalising on a red card for N’Sira Ouedraogo and scoring twice via substitutes Ines Khiri and Amira Braham.
The Maghreb teams will meet either Nigeria or Cameroon, and Ghana or Malawi, in the next round. Historically, the tournament has been dominated by Nigeria, with only Equatorial Guinea and South Africa ever winning besides them. The two victories also lock both nations into the 2027 World Cup field.
Why it matters
The wins guarantee North Africa representation at the 2027 Women's World Cup and mark a historic breakthrough in a tournament long dominated by West Africa.
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