WAFCON 2026: Which three teams have already advanced to the quarter-finals?

Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria have become the first teams to secure their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after strong performances in the group stage.

The trio booked their spots in the last eight with one round of matches still remaining in some groups, while the race for the five remaining quarter-final places continues across Morocco.

Cameroon were the first side to advance after edging Ghana 1-0 in Sunday’s Group D encounter, before hosts Morocco and neighbours Algeria joined them on Monday.

Cameroon strike first

The Indomitable Lionesses became the tournament’s first quarter-finalists after Marie-Gisèle Ngah Manga’s first-half penalty secured victory over Ghana.

The decisive moment came in the 19th minute when the referee awarded Cameroon a spot-kick following a VAR review for handball.

Ngah Manga converted from the penalty spot to hand Cameroon all three points and guarantee their place in the knockout stage.

Morocco finish top of Group A

Hosts Morocco secured qualification after being held to a goalless draw by Senegal in their final Group A match.

Having already recorded victories over Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Atlas Lionesses needed only a point to confirm their progress and finish top of the standings.

The draw saw Morocco complete the group stage unbeaten with seven points, ensuring they advanced as group winners in front of their home supporters.

Algeria complete North African double

Algeria joined Morocco in the quarter-finals after defeating Kenya 2-0 in their final Group A fixture.

Marine Dafeur and Lynda Bendris both scored in the first half to seal victory and move Algeria onto five points, enough to secure second place behind the hosts.

The result means Algeria reach the knockout phase alongside Morocco, underlining the strong performances of North African teams at this year’s tournament.

Race continues for remaining places

With Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria safely through, attention now turns to the remaining group-stage fixtures, which will determine the other five teams that will complete the quarter-final line-up.

Several of Africa’s leading sides are still battling for qualification as the competition enters its decisive phase.