Morocco vs South Africa quarter-final in Morocco; four teams vie for World Cup berth

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Quarter-final preview, schedule and how to watch live

Find out the key information heading into the knockout stages of the tournament, beginning on Saturday (8 August).

Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, following an enthralling group stage in Morocco.

Defending champions Nigeria booked their spot in the quarter-final despite a dramatic finish to Group C, progressing alongside debutants Malawi .

Hosts Morocco topped their group unbeaten as they aim to lift this trophy after reaching back-to-back finals at the last two tournaments.

Not only is there a place in the semi-final on the line, but for the four teams who do advance, it will mean a spot on the biggest stage in world football at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil .

With everything to play for, read on for the key things you need to know about the upcoming quarter-final ties.

WAFCON: Inside Nigeria’s ten-title reign

WAFCON 2026: Race for the Golden Boot – full list

2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: Road to the quarter-final

Here is how each side booked their spot in the last eight:

Morocco (Finished first in Group A)

Algeria (Finished second in Group A)

Côte d’Ivoire (Finished first in Group B)

Côte d’Ivoire 4-1 Burkina Faso

South Africa 2-2 Côte d’Ivoire

South Africa (Finished second in Group B)

Burkina Faso 0-1 South Africa

Malawi (Finished first in Group C)

Nigeria (Finished second in Group C)

Cameroon (Finished first in Group D)

Ghana (Finished second in Group D)

Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa.

2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: Quarter-final fixtures, key players

QF1: Morocco vs South Africa

These two sides are familiar foes, meeting in the 2022 final in which South Africa won their maiden WAFCON title.

Morocco have netted five goals so far in this competition, with Hanane Aït El Haj providing the assist for three of them. The 31-year-old defender is a crucial player for the Atlas Lionesses , who rely on their attacking fullbacks to help carve open the opposition.

Up against South Africa, their defenders will need to be just as focused on Thembi Kgatlana up top.

The 30-year-old brings the firepower to Banyana Banyana , a side looking to reach the last four for the 10th successive edition.

QF2: Côte d’Ivoire vs Algeria

Côte d’Ivoire have been one of the most free-flowing sides at WAFCON, thanks to the help of forward N’Sira Ouédraogo .

The 18-year-old, who recently signed her first professional contract with Norwegian side Nordsjælland, has been directly involved in five of her side’s eight goals (two goals, three assists). Only prolific forward Barbra Banda , now eliminated, has more. Ouédraogo could be crucial in securing a FIFA World Cup berth for just the second time.

Algeria are into the last eight of this tournament for just the second time in their history, reaching this stage just a year ago. The Fennecs are now on the brink of a maiden spot on the world stage.

Marine Dafeur has been one of the side’s standout players, bagging two of the four goals they have scored.

Participating in their maiden WAFCON, and one win away from a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, Malawi have well and truly introduced themselves to the international stage.

Siblings Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga have scored five goals between them so far to help guide the Scorchers out of a tough group.

Malawi will face Ghana in the quarter-final, a side that finished third in this competition just last year. The Black Queens narrowly made it out of their group, with the share of their goals being spread evenly thus far.

Midfielder Princess Marfo , 22, is a headline name within the squad, boasting key experience in Norway, the U.S., and most recently signing for Dutch club PSV.

Ten-time WAFCON winners Nigeria continue their title defence with a quarter-final meeting against Cameroon.

The Super Falcons opened their account with a headline defeat to debutants Malawi, but soon regrouped for vital wins against Zambia and Egypt.

With such a strong squad, there are plenty of players who stand out, though Asisat Oshoala has proven once more why she is crucial to this side.

One of six goal scorers in their 6-2 rout of the Female Pharaohs , her most important contribution of the competition came against the Copper Queens when she scored the only goal of the game to seal three defining points.

Cameroon, meanwhile, are back in the last eight after missing the previous tournament. Marie Ngah Manga has scored three of their four goals in Morocco, putting herself in the running for a potential Golden Boot award.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria celebrates after scoring her team’s third goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield

2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: Quarter-final schedule and how to watch

Côte d’Ivoire vs Algeria (18:00 local) – Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca

Morocco vs South Africa (21:00 local) – Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Cameroon vs Nigeria (18:00 local) – Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca

Malawi vs Ghana (21:00 local) – Al Medina Stadium, Rabat

Coverage of the tournament will be provided exclusively by CAF TV for an extensive range of countries. A full breakdown of the broadcasters can be found here .

26 July - 16 August

Football | Women’s Africa Cup of Nations | Morocco | Morocco