Women’s AFCON 2026: Semi-final places and World Cup qualification on the line

A place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will also secure qualification for the next Women’s World Cup, adding extra significance to Saturday’s quarter-final ties between Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria, and Morocco and South Africa.

Cote d’Ivoire take on Algeria after finishing the group stage with contrasting results. The Elephantes confirmed top spot in Group B with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on the final day.

Algeria, meanwhile, progressed as runners-up in Group A after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat by Morocco. The Fennecs must now overcome the competition’s Group B winners to reach the last four and claim a place at the next global tournament.

The other quarter-final brings together hosts Morocco and South Africa, with both sides arriving at the knockout stage after securing different results in their final group matches.

Morocco, known as the Lionesses of the Atlas, retained first place in Group A despite being held to a goalless draw by Senegal. As hosts of the competition, they will continue their campaign against reigning African champions South Africa, the Banyana Banyana.

South Africa booked their quarter-final place by edging past Burkina Faso 1-0 in a crucial fixture. That result allowed them to move into the knockout phase, where they face a Morocco side that ended the group stage unbeaten at the top of its section.

The two ties will be played on Saturday, with both matches carrying the same immediate reward: a semi-final place. Reaching that stage will also guarantee each successful team qualification for the next Women’s World Cup.

Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria meet at 17:00 GMT at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca. The fixture listing includes “IBK” alongside the venue.

Morocco’s match against South Africa follows at 20:00 GMT at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat. “Dennis” is listed alongside the stadium details for the second quarter-final.

The results from the final group games have produced two contrasting quarter-finals. Cote d’Ivoire enter theirs after a winning performance that secured first place in Group B, while Algeria must respond to defeat against Morocco. Morocco come into their tie after a 0-0 draw with Senegal but remain top of Group A, while South Africa secured their progress with a vital victory over Burkina Faso.

With qualification for the next Women’s World Cup attached to a semi-final place, all four teams know that Saturday’s matches represent more than a route into the final stages of the continental competition. The winners will move into the last four and confirm their place on the global stage.