2026 WAFCON: Algeria make history with first-ever semi-final and World Cup qualification

Algeria have reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time after eliminating Côte d’Ivoire, a result that also secures their historic qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The North Africans held their nerve to overcome Côte d’Ivoire and book a place in the last four of the competition.

The victory marks a significant moment for Algerian women’s football. By reaching the semi-finals, Algeria have secured a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.

Their attention will now turn to the semi-finals, where they will face either Malawi or Ghana.

For Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, the defeat brings their campaign to an end.

Algeria’s achievement represents more than just progression to the next stage of the tournament. It is a landmark moment for a team that has now written its name into the history of Algerian football.

A place at the World Cup, alongside a first-ever Women’s AFCON semi-final, gives Algeria plenty to celebrate and a chance to dream even bigger as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

The focus now shifts to the semi-final, where Algeria will look to continue a remarkable campaign that has already delivered history.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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