Algeria qualify for first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup

Algeria secured a historic first qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, while hosts Morocco also booked their place at next year’s global tournament in Brazil.

Algeria came from behind to beat 10-player Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca, while Morocco defeated defending champions South Africa by the same score in Rabat on Saturday.

The four semi-finalists at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will automatically qualify for the World Cup, which will be held in Brazil from June 24th to July 25th.

Ivory Coast and South Africa still have a chance to reach the tournament through the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs, with three additional World Cup places available.

Both teams will play in Thursday’s play-offs to determine which African sides advance to the inter-confederation stage.

Algeria fell behind when Ines Konan put Ivory Coast ahead, but second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham completed the comeback.

Ivory Coast were reduced to 10 players in the 41st minute when Nsira Ouedraogo was dismissed for a high challenge that struck Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi in the face. Rebecca Elloh later missed a penalty, hitting the post with the score level.

Morocco took control against South Africa through Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Haj, who converted a penalty. Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit midway through the second half, but Morocco held on to secure their second successive World Cup appearance.

Morocco will face either Cameroon or Nigeria in the semi-finals, while Algeria await the winner of Ghana and Malawi.