WAFCON 2026: Eight teams out as eight others march into quarter-finals

Eight teams have been eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the conclusion of the group stage in Morocco, with the quarter-final fixtures now confirmed.

Mali, Zambia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt and Burkina Faso all saw their campaigns come to an end as Africa’s premier women’s football competition moved into the knockout rounds.

Mali became the final nation to exit the tournament after a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Thursday’s decisive Group D encounter, a result that secured qualification for both Ghana and group winners Cameroon.

Mali fall short as Ghana and Cameroon progress

Mali needed victory in their final group match to keep their hopes alive but were forced to settle for a draw, leaving them third in Group D behind Cameroon and Ghana.

Cameroon finished top of the standings with seven points after playing out a 1-1 draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde in their final match.

Although Cape Verde failed to reach the knockout stages, the island nation leaves Morocco with a historic milestone after collecting its first-ever point at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

Ghana’s qualification ensured that two West African nations progressed from the group, while Mali joined the list of teams heading home.

Quarter-final clashes confirmed

The end of the group stage has set up several intriguing quarter-final contests, including a heavyweight showdown between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Hosts Morocco will face defending champions South Africa, while Ivory Coast take on Algeria in another all-African derby.

Ghana complete the last-eight lineup and will battle Malawi for a place in the semi-finals.

The quarter-final fixtures are:

• Nigeria vs Cameroon
• Morocco vs South Africa
• Ivory Coast vs Algeria
• Ghana vs Malawi

World Cup places at stake

The stakes will rise even further in the knockout rounds, with the four quarter-final winners securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

With a place at the global showpiece on the line, Africa’s remaining eight teams will now turn their attention to the battle for continental glory and a ticket to South America.