Morocco, Algeria reach WAFCON semifinals and qualify for FIFA World Cup | Football News
North African Nations Reach Semifinals of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Qualify for World Cup
Published on Aug. 9, 2026
RABAT, Morocco — In a historic achievement for North African soccer, Morocco and Algeria have qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after securing victories in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
On Saturday, Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 in a match held in the Moroccan capital. The hosts established an early lead, thanks to Sakina Ouzraoui, who scored in the 31st minute. Hanane Ait El Haj extended the advantage six minutes into the second half by converting a penalty kick. South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana scored in the 67th minute, bringing tension to the closing minutes of the match.
In Casablanca, Algeria overturned an early deficit to defeat the Ivory Coast 2-1. The Ivorians initially took the lead with a goal from Ines Konan in the 29th minute but had to contend with a red card for N’Sira Ouedraogo just before halftime. The teenage player was sent off for an infraction against Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi. This red card shifted the momentum, allowing Algeria to score twice through substitutes Ines Khiri and Amira Braham early in the second half.
With both teams’ victories, Morocco will face Nigeria or Cameroon in the semifinals on Wednesday, while Algeria will take on Ghana or Malawi. Both teams aim for a breakthrough in a tournament historically dominated by Nigeria, which has secured the championship ten times since its inception in 1998. Equatorial Guinea and South Africa remain the only other nations to have won the title.
This marks the first time that any teams from North Africa have qualified for the Women’s World Cup, representing a significant milestone for the region’s soccer development.
