WAFCON 2026: Algeria and a new era in African women’s football

Algeria have reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time, helping ensure the 2026 tournament will produce a first-time champion after the elimination of Nigeria and South Africa.

The two traditional powers were among the favourites to lift the trophy, but both were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

South Africa, the 2022 champions, were beaten 2-1 by hosts Morocco before defending champions Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon 24 hours later.

The results have transformed the competition and left Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco and Malawi competing for the title.

None of the four remaining nations has previously won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

A new champion will therefore be crowned on 16 August, bringing an end to an era dominated by established continental powers.

Algeria make history

For Algeria, the change in the tournament’s landscape has already produced a landmark achievement.

The Greens have reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history, making this their best performance in the competition.

Their progress has given them the opportunity to compete for a place in the final and potentially go one step further by challenging for the trophy.

Algeria’s appearance at this stage is particularly notable because Cameroon had originally eliminated them in qualifying, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

However, the expansion of the tournament from 12 teams to 16 gave Cameroon another opportunity to compete at the finals.

The Indomitable Lionesses have taken full advantage of that chance and are now among the last four.

Algeria coach Farid Benstiti has made clear that reaching the semi-finals is not where his side want their run to end.

“We can’t stop here.”

That ambition reflects the wider change taking place at the tournament.

Algeria are no longer simply celebrating their best-ever finish; they now have the chance to compete for the biggest prize in African women’s football.

Cameroon overcome defending champions

Cameroon’s route to the semi-finals included one of the tournament’s biggest results.

The Indomitable Lionesses eliminated Nigeria, the defending champions and the most successful team in Women’s AFCON history with 10 titles.

Nigeria’s departure, together with South Africa’s earlier elimination, removed two of the strongest established forces from the competition.

Cameroon will now play their 10th semi-final, giving them considerably more experience at this stage than the other remaining teams.

Yet their opponents will include nations who have never previously reached the summit of African women’s football.

Morocco and Malawi join historic semi-finals

Morocco also secured a place in the last four after defeating South Africa 2-1 on home soil.

The Atlas Lionesses are now attempting to make their home advantage count as they pursue a first Women’s AFCON title.

Their quarter-final victory ended South Africa’s defence of the crown and further opened the competition.

Malawi have also reached the semi-finals for the first time.

Their progress adds another dimension to a tournament in which the established order has been overturned.

The four remaining teams therefore represent a different picture from previous editions.

Cameroon have extensive experience at this stage, while Algeria, Malawi and Morocco are seeking their first continental title.

A new champion awaits

The semi-final line-up guarantees that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will have a new winner.

For Algeria, reaching this stage is already a historic achievement.

For Malawi, their first semi-final appearance has established them among the contenders.

Cameroon will draw on their experience of reaching this stage nine times previously, while Morocco will look to the support and advantage of playing at home.

The defeats of Nigeria and South Africa have removed the two most recent champions from the competition and created an opportunity for a new name to be added to the trophy.

The change was set in motion when Morocco defeated South Africa before Cameroon followed by eliminating Nigeria.

Now Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Morocco remain in contention.

On 16 August in Rabat, African women’s football will crown a champion who has never previously won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Whatever happens in the final stages, the 2026 tournament has already delivered a significant shift in the competition’s hierarchy.

The exits of Nigeria and South Africa have opened the way for four different contenders and ensured that a new era will begin when the next champion is crowned.