The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco is serving as the primary qualification path for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Specifically, the four teams reaching the semi-finals earn direct entry into the global tournament.
Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Malawi have officially claimed their spots by winning their respective quarter-final matches. Notably, Algeria made history by overcoming an early deficit to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham, marking their first-ever World Cup appearance. Tournament hosts Morocco continued their strong form by defeating South Africa 2-1, thanks to strikes from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Hanane Ait El Haj, ensuring their third consecutive World Cup qualification.
Cameroon achieved a significant upset by knocking out reigning champions Nigeria with a 1-0 victory, decided by 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou’s long-range strike. Meanwhile, Malawi pulled off a major surprise by rallying from behind to beat Ghana 2-1, with Temwa Chawinga and Rose Kadzere providing the goals that secured their debut qualification.
For nations that missed the semi-finals—Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa—the path to Brazil is not yet closed. These teams will participate in an African play-off series. Côte d’Ivoire faces Ghana, and Nigeria meets South Africa, with the victors advancing to a 10-team intercontinental play-off where three additional World Cup spots will be determined. The 2027 Women’s World Cup is slated to take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25.
