Rabat – Morocco face Algeria today at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat in the third-place match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Both teams missed out on the final after painful semi-final defeats. Morocco held Cameroon to a 0–0 draw after extra time but lost 3–1 on penalties in front of their home supporters. Algeria’s historic run also stopped in the last four after a 3–1 defeat against debutants Malawi.
The winner will finish the tournament with the bronze medal and close a strong campaign on a positive note. The match also brings another chapter to the Morocco-Algeria rivalry after both sides already met in the group stage.
Match Details:
Fixture: Morocco vs Algeria
Competition: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, Third-Place Match
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Rabat
Date: Saturday, August 15
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. Morocco time / 5:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports and beIN Sports Connect; CAF TV in selected markets
Morocco Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Morocco have no major new suspension concerns reported ahead of the third-place match.
Returns/Doubts: Head coach Jorge Vilda could make changes after Morocco played 120 minutes against Cameroon in the semi-final. Some fresh legs may be used, but the main core of the team should remain involved because of the importance of the derby.
Recent Form: Morocco entered the knockout stage with confidence after topping Group A and keeping clean sheets throughout the group phase.
The Atlas Lionesses then defeated South Africa in the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
However, their dream of reaching another WAFCON final ended against Cameroon. Morocco dominated large parts of the match but could not score, before losing the penalty shootout.
Key Players: Ghizlane Chebbak remains Morocco’s leader and creative reference in midfield. Ibtissam Jraidi gives the team a strong presence in attack, while Sakina Ouzraoui can create danger with her pace and movement.
Khadija Er-Rmichi will also be important if the match becomes tight, especially after Morocco’s semi-final went all the way to penalties.
Likely XI: Er-Rmichi; Ait El Haj, Benzina, Atiq, Redouani; M’Rabet, Nakkach, Chebbak; Ouzraoui, Jraidi, Mssoudy.
Algeria Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Algeria have no major new suspension concerns reported before the bronze-medal match.
Returns/Doubts: Farid Benstiti could also rotate after a demanding semi-final against Malawi. Algeria may look to keep their defensive structure while adding more energy in attack.
Recent Form: Algeria have enjoyed their best WAFCON campaign ever.
The Fennecs reached the semi-finals for the first time and also secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Algeria beat Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 in the quarter-finals after coming from behind, but their run to the final ended with a 3–1 loss to Malawi. Despite that defeat, the tournament remains historic for Algerian women’s football.
Key Players: Marine Dafeur has been one of Algeria’s most important attacking players at the tournament. Mélissa Bethi brings energy and quality in midfield, while Chloé N’Gazi has been one of the standout goalkeepers of the competition.
Inès Belloumou and Sofia Guellati will be important defensively against Morocco’s wide players and quick passing combinations.
Likely XI: N’Gazi; Belkhiter, D’Oria, Guellati, Belloumou; Bethi, Dafeur, Bouzid; Boussaha, Ikene, Boutaleb.
What to Expect
Morocco are slight favorites because of home advantage and their stronger defensive record. The Atlas Lionesses will likely control possession and try to attack early through Chebbak, Jraidi and Ouzraoui.
Algeria will look to stay compact, defend with discipline and attack quickly when Morocco leave space. Benstiti’s team have already shown strong organization and character throughout the tournament.
The match should be intense because of the derby context and the emotional weight of the semi-final defeats. Morocco will want to reward their fans with a bronze medal, while Algeria will try to end their historic campaign with another statement result.
The first goal could decide the rhythm. If Morocco score early, Algeria may be forced to open up. If Algeria keep the match level, the pressure could grow on the hosts.
Safe Bets
Morocco to Win: The Atlas Lionesses have home advantage and more attacking depth.
Under 3.5 Goals: Third-place matches can be open, but this derby may remain tight.
Ibtissam Jraidi to Score or Assist: Jraidi remains Morocco’s most reliable attacking threat.
Prediction: Morocco 2-1 Algeria.
