2026 Women's AFCON: Teams already through to the quarter-finals

Two matchups are already set, while Cameroon awaits the conclusion of Group C to discover its next opponent.

As of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, five of the eight available spots for the Women's AFCON quarter-finals have been claimed. Morocco, Algeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Cameroon are all advancing in the competition.

The quarter-final opponents for Morocco and Algeria are now known. Cameroon, meanwhile, will have to wait for the final results from Group C.

The five teams already qualified

• Morocco: The Atlas Lionesses dominated Kenya (4-0), then Algeria (1-0), before settling for a draw against Senegal (0-0). With seven points and not a single goal conceded, Morocco tops Group A. They will face South Africa on Saturday, August 8 at 9pm in Rabat.
• Algeria: The Greens kicked off their campaign with a victory over Senegal (2-0). After falling to Morocco (0-1), they secured qualification by defeating Kenya (2-0). Second in Group A with six points, Algeria will take on Ivory Coast at 6pm on Saturday, August 8 in Casablanca.
• Ivory Coast: The Elephants outclassed Burkina Faso (4-1), drew with South Africa (2-2), and beat Tanzania (2-1). Undefeated, they finish first in Group B with seven points and will meet Algeria in the quarters.
• South Africa: Banyana Banyana started with a loss to Tanzania (1-2), then clawed back a draw against Ivory Coast (2-2). Their decisive win over Burkina Faso (1-0) secured second place in Group B with four points. They will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals.
• Cameroon: The Indomitable Lionesses beat Mali (2-1), then Ghana (1-0). With six points, Cameroon are guaranteed top spot in Group D ahead of their final game against Cape Verde on August 6. They will play the runners-up from Group C.

Three spots still up for grabs

Group C will deliver its verdict this Wednesday, August 5. Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia are still battling for the top two places. The second-placed team will face Cameroon, while the group winner will take on the runner-up from Group D.

In the last group, Ghana and Mali will fight for the final ticket on Thursday, August 6. The winner will finish behind Cameroon and reach the quarter-finals.

Also Read : FIFA: Gianni Infantino breathes a huge sigh of relief

Direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup

The stakes in the quarter-finals go far beyond the race for the continental crown. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically secure their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup, to be held in Brazil.

The four quarter-final losers won't be out of the World Cup hunt just yet. They'll play in two playoff matches on August 13. The two winners will then represent Africa in the FIFA intercontinental playoffs, giving the continent two final chances to qualify.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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