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Algeria secured a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after fighting back to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the opening quarter-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham overturned an early deficit after Ines Konan had given Côte d’Ivoire the lead, sending the Fennecs into the semi-finals of the continental competition for the first time in their history.
The victory not only ended Algeria’s long wait for a place among Africa’s last four, but also secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, where the four semi-finalists from Morocco 2026 automatically earn Africa’s direct qualification places.
For Farid Benstiti’s side, it was the perfect response to last year’s quarter-final heartbreak, when they were eliminated by Ghana on penalties after a goalless draw.
Read More: Hosts Morocco edge South Africa to reach TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON semi-finals
While Algeria celebrated automatic qualification for Brazil 2027, Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup hopes remain alive despite the defeat.
Under the expanded qualification system, the four losing quarter-finalists will contest an African play-off, with the two winners progressing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.
Those two nations will have one final opportunity to secure places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and increase Africa’s representation on the global stage.
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