WAFCON 2026 Quarter-Finals | Morocco and Algeria Lead a Strong North African Charge
North African football has a lot to celebrate this week. Hosts Morocco and neighbours Algeria have both booked their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and they did it in contrasting styles that tell you everything about how this tournament is shaping up.
Morocco Top Group A Without Conceding a Goal
The Atlas Lionesses wrapped up their group campaign with a goalless draw against Senegal in Rabat, a result that was enough to see them finish top of Group A on seven points. What stands out is the defensive record: Morocco went through the entire group stage without conceding, a statistic that should worry whoever they draw next.
Earlier in the group, Morocco needed a late moment of magic to get past their North African rivals - a Sanaa Mssoudy strike in the 84th minute settled a tense derby against Algeria and made Morocco the first side through to the last eight of the tournament.
Algeria Book Their Spot With a Statement Win
Algeria's route to the quarter-finals went through a commanding 2-0 win over Kenya, with goals inside the first 23 minutes from Marine Dafeur (a stunning long-range free-kick) and Lynda Bendris settling the contest early. That result, combined with Morocco's win over Kenya earlier in the group, means both North African sides progress while Senegal and Kenya's campaigns come to an end.
Why This Matters for North African Football Fans
Two North African nations reaching the WAFCON quarter-finals in the same edition is a significant marker for the region's growing investment in women's football. With the tournament now expanded to 16 teams for the first time, competition for knockout spots is tougher than ever - making Morocco and Algeria's group-topping form even more notable.
Both sides now await confirmation of their quarter-final opponents from Group B, with the draw completing after Tuesday's final fixtures. Semi-finalists at this tournament also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes considerably for every remaining match.
What to Watch Next
- Morocco face the Group B runner-up in the quarter-finals at Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca. - Algeria take on the Group B winner in the other last-eight tie. - Both matches will shape the race toward a home final for Morocco and a first World Cup berth for Algeria.
Stay with us for continuing WAFCON 2026 coverage as the North African derby storylines continue into the knockout rounds.