Rabat – Africa’s lineup for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is taking shape, with four nations securing direct qualification for the tournament in Brazil.
Morocco, Malawi, Cameroon, and Algeria earned their places after reaching the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). While Morocco is hosting the continental tournament, its place at the 2027 World Cup was not automatic. The Atlas Lionesses secured qualification on the pitch by defeating defending champions South Africa 2–1 in the quarterfinals.
South Africa and Ghana, meanwhile, kept their World Cup hopes alive by advancing to the FIFA inter-confederation playoff tournament after winning their respective continental play-in matches.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027. Brazil, as the tournament host, is automatically qualified, while African teams must earn their places through the qualification process.
Morocco
Morocco will make its second consecutive appearance at the Women’s World Cup after securing qualification during the 2026 WAFCON on home soil.
The Atlas Lionesses defeated South Africa 2–1 in the quarterfinals to book their place in Brazil.
Morocco made history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup by becoming the first Arab nation to reach the knockout stage of the competition.
Their qualification for the 2027 edition marks another major achievement for a women’s football program that has made significant progress in recent years.
Malawi
Malawi has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the 2026 WAFCON, securing its first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Scorchers stunned 10-time African champions Nigeria with a 3–2 victory in the group stage before defeating Ghana 2–1 in the quarterfinals.
Led by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, Malawi continued its remarkable campaign by defeating Algeria 3–1 in the semifinals to reach the WAFCON final.
Their historic run has put Malawi on the global stage for the first time and represents a major milestone for women’s football in the country.
Cameroon
Cameroon also secured a return to the global stage after defeating Nigeria 1–0 in the quarterfinals.
The Indomitable Lionesses previously featured at the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups, reaching the Round of 16 on both occasions.
After missing the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, Cameroon will now return to the global competition in Brazil.
Algeria
Algeria completed Africa’s list of four direct qualifiers by defeating Ivory Coast 2–1 in the quarterfinals.
The result secured the Desert Foxes’ first-ever appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Algeria had never previously reached the WAFCON semifinals, making its breakthrough one of the defining moments of the tournament.
South Africa and Ghana keep their hopes alive
South Africa and Ghana missed out on direct qualification after their quarterfinal defeats, but both teams secured a second opportunity through the WAFCON play-in round.
South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-1, while Ghana came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2–1.
The victories sent Banyana Banyana and the Black Queens to the FIFA inter-confederation playoff tournament.
They will now face teams from other confederations for the remaining World Cup places, keeping Africa’s potential representation in Brazil at up to six teams.
Africa’s women’s football continues to change
The 2026 WAFCON qualification campaign has highlighted the growing competitiveness of African women’s football.
Traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria were eliminated from direct World Cup qualification, while Morocco, Malawi, Algeria, and Cameroon secured their places in Brazil.
With four African teams already qualified and South Africa and Ghana advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs, the continent is on course to make a strong impression at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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