Algeria book first-ever Women’s World Cup spot, Morocco join them

Algeria have secured their first-ever place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after reaching the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while Morocco also booked their ticket to the 2027 global tournament.

The historic qualification was confirmed on Saturday (August 8) as the two North African sides won their respective quarterfinals, becoming the first teams from the tournament’s last four to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Algeria edged 10-player Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca to reach the semifinals and make history. Ivory Coast took the lead through Ines Konan in the first half, but Algeria turned the game around after the break, with Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Brahim scoring to complete the comeback.

Ivory Coast were reduced to 10 players in the 41st minute when N’Cira Ouédraogo was sent off for a foul on Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi. With the score level at 1-1, Ivory Coast missed a crucial opportunity to regain the lead when Rebecca Elloh’s penalty struck the post.

Morocco then followed Algeria into the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over reigning champions South Africa in Rabat.

Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring for the hosts before Hanane Ait El Haj doubled Morocco’s advantage from the penalty spot. South Africa pulled one back through Thembi Kgatlana in the second half, but Morocco held on to reach the last four and secure another World Cup appearance.

For Morocco, the qualification marks a second consecutive Women’s World Cup appearance after their historic debut at the 2023 edition.

The top four finishers at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup. Ivory Coast and South Africa, despite their quarterfinal exits, still have a route to Brazil.

The two eliminated sides will meet in a playoff on Thursday, with the winners earning a place in the FIFA inter-confederation playoff tournament for another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has historically been dominated by three nations. Nigeria have won the title 10 times, Equatorial Guinea twice and South Africa once.