Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon and Malawi have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil after reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The four teams have claimed Africa’s four automatic places at the 32-team tournament.
The 2026 WAFCON, held in Morocco from late July to August 16, is serving as CAF’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Cup. Sixteen teams began the competition in the group stage, with eight advancing to the quarter-finals. Reaching the last four secured a place in Brazil regardless of the semi-final results.
How the Four Teams Qualified for the World Cup
Algeria beat ten-player Ivory Coast 2-1 in their quarter-final, with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham after Ivory Coast had a player sent off while 1-0 up. Morocco defeated South Africa by the same scoreline, courtesy of goals from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Hanane Ait El Haj.
Cameroon secured a 1-0 victory over defending champions Nigeria to reach the semi-finals and qualify for the World Cup, sealed by a spectacular 30-yard free-kick from 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou.
Malawi completed the quartet with a 2-1 comeback win over Ghana, led by Temwa Chawinga, to secure their first-ever place at a Women’s World Cup. Malawi will play Algeria in one semi-final, with hosts Morocco facing Cameroon in the other.
The Playoff Route Remains Open for Four Nations
The four losing quarter-finalists, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and South Africa, will now face off for Africa’s two places in the inter-confederation playoff. The two winners will join a 10-nation playoff in November and December, where the final three places at the 2027 World Cup will be decided.
Nigeria had qualified for all nine previous Women’s World Cup finals, but their defeat to Cameroon means they must now pursue qualification through the playoff route. The 2027 tournament will be the 10th edition of the Women’s World Cup and the second to feature 32 teams.
What Happens Next in the Road to Brazil 2027
Fourteen nations, including hosts Brazil, have already qualified for the tournament. Eighteen places remain to be decided, with 15 due to be confirmed by the end of the year and the final three determined through the inter-confederation playoffs.
