CASABLANCA/RABAT, Morocco — Algeria secured a historic first qualification for the Women’s World Cup after defeating 10-player Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday. Morocco also booked their place at next year’s World Cup after edging South Africa by the same scoreline in Rabat.
- Historic qualification: Algeria will make their first appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
- Morocco return: Morocco qualified for the global finals after previously featuring at the 2023 World Cup.
- Africa’s qualification route: The four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finalists qualify directly for the World Cup.
- More African places available: Ivory Coast and South Africa can still reach the World Cup through the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs.
Algeria make history with comeback victory
Algeria overcame Ivory Coast 2-1 after falling behind in their quarter-final. Ines Konan put Ivory Coast ahead, but Algeria responded after the break with goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham to complete the comeback.
The result gives Algeria their first-ever qualification for the Women’s World Cup and sends them into the semi-finals of the African tournament.
The Ivorians were reduced to 10 players shortly before half-time when Nsira Ouedraogo was sent off in the 41st minute for a boot to the face of Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi.
Ivory Coast later had an opportunity to level the contest from the penalty spot. Rebecca Elloh, however, struck the post with her second-half penalty when the score was 1-1, before Algeria completed their comeback.
Morocco book second successive World Cup appearance
Morocco defeated South Africa 2-1 in Rabat to secure their place at next year’s World Cup. The qualification represents another major milestone for the North African side, who had already reached the global finals for the first time in 2023.
Sakina Ouzraoui gave Morocco the lead before Hanane Ait El Haj doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. South Africa responded in the second half when Thembi Kgatlana pulled a goal back midway through the period.
Morocco held on for victory, ensuring their return to the World Cup and a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
How Africa’s World Cup qualification works
The four teams that reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations earn direct qualification for the Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil from June 24 to July 25 next year.
With Algeria and Morocco already through, the remaining quarter-final matches will determine the other two direct qualifiers from the African tournament.
Ivory Coast and South Africa have not yet been eliminated from the World Cup qualification race. Both teams can still secure places in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs, where three additional World Cup spots are available.
Remaining quarter-finals will decide other qualifiers
Morocco will face the winner of the quarter-final between Cameroon and Nigeria in the next round. Algeria will meet the winner of Ghana versus Malawi.
South Africa will enter a play-off against the loser of Cameroon and Nigeria for a place in the inter-confederation qualification competition. Ivory Coast will similarly face either Ghana or Malawi.
The upcoming matches will therefore determine which African teams continue through the direct qualification route and which must rely on the additional inter-confederation pathway.
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has three previous winners
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has historically been dominated by three countries. Nigeria have won the competition a record 10 times, while Equatorial Guinea have two titles and South Africa have one.
Algeria’s historic World Cup qualification now adds another significant chapter to the competition’s history, while Morocco continue their rise after reaching the global tournament in 2023.
What happens next?
The next stage of the tournament will determine the remaining direct World Cup qualifiers and the teams that enter the inter-confederation play-off route. Morocco and Algeria have already secured their places at next year’s global finals, while Ivory Coast and South Africa remain in contention for additional qualification opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Algeria qualified for the Women’s World Cup before?
No. Algeria’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Ivory Coast secured the country’s first-ever qualification for the Women’s World Cup.
When and where will the next Women’s World Cup be held?
The next Women’s World Cup will be staged in Brazil from June 24 to July 25 next year, according to the supplied material.
