Morocco and Algeria both reached the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, and secured places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil in the process.
Morocco's Lionnes de l'Atlas beat South Africa, continuing their run of strong performances on home soil as tournament hosts. Algeria's Fennecs got past Ivory Coast, a result that suggests the tactical approach of coach Farid Bensetti, in charge of the side since 2022, is paying off.
World Cup spots already secured
Reaching the semifinals guarantees both nations a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil no matter how the rest of the tournament goes. It is a second straight World Cup qualification for Morocco, while Algeria will play at the tournament for the first time in the country's history.
Semifinal opponents still to be decided
Both Maghreb teams are waiting on the day's other results to learn who they will face next. Algeria will meet the winner of the match between Cameroon and Nigeria, two of the major forces in African women's football, with Nigeria seen as the tournament's big favorite after winning 10 of the previous 13 editions. Morocco's path looks somewhat clearer, though their meeting with the winner of Malawi against Ghana is far from a foregone conclusion.
A possible Maghreb derby
Should both sides advance, Morocco and Algeria could meet each other in the final on Sunday, August 16, in Rabat. Beyond the World Cup places already banked, both nations are also chasing a first-ever continental title.
