Women's Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Finals Preview

The group stage of the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has concluded, setting the stage for the quarter-finals on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August. Eight teams remain in contention, with the four semi-finalists earning direct qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™. The defeated quarter-finalists will still have a chance to reach the global tournament through the Play-Off Tournament.

Quarter-Final Matchups and Stakes

The quarter-final ties feature Morocco against South Africa, Cameroon versus Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire taking on Algeria, and Malawi facing Ghana. Each match carries immense significance, as victory not only advances teams in the continental championship but also secures a coveted spot at the World Cup.

Algeria Aiming for Historic First

Algeria can make history by qualifying for the Women's World Cup for the first time. Led by Bristol City's Marine Dafeur, who has scored two goals, Les Vertes finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco. This marks their second appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, following the 2024 edition held in 2025.

Côte d'Ivoire Seeking Return to Global Stage

Côte d'Ivoire, coached by Reynald Pedros, hopes to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2015, when they lost all three group matches. Their best Africa Cup of Nations result remains third place in 2014. A similar run this year would secure World Cup qualification after a strong group stage campaign featuring two wins and a draw against South Africa (2-2), with Ines Konan contributing three goals.

Morocco and South Africa Renew Rivalry

Morocco, the hosts, have reached the final in the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, while South Africa won the tournament in 2022, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final. In the 2026 edition, South Africa struggled initially, losing 2-1 to Tanzania before drawing 2-2 with Côte d'Ivoire and securing a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Morocco won twice, including a 4-0 thrashing of Kenya with Ibtissam Jraidi scoring, and drew 0-0 with Senegal.

Cameroon and Nigeria Clash in Group D Showdown

Cameroon topped Group D, spearheaded by Fenerbahce's Marie Ngah Manga, who has scored three goals in two matches. They aim to qualify for the World Cup for the third time after appearances in 2015 and 2019. Nigeria, aiming for their 11th African title in 14 editions, finished second in Group C after a surprise 3-2 defeat to Malawi, a narrow 1-0 win over Zambia, and a convincing 6-2 victory against Egypt with six different scorers. Nigeria have never missed a Women's World Cup, having qualified for the last nine tournaments. Historically, Cameroon and Nigeria have met 13 times in the Africa Cup of Nations since 1998, with Nigeria winning nine, three draws, and one Cameroon victory.

Malawi on the Brink of Historic Qualification

In their debut Africa Cup of Nations appearance, Malawi are on the verge of a historic World Cup qualification. They finished ahead of Nigeria and Zambia in Group C despite a 2-1 defeat to Zambia on matchday three. Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga has scored three goals, while her sister Tabitha Chawinga of OL Lyon has two.