Malawi, Cameroon reach WAFCON final, seal World Cup spots

Malawi and Cameroon booked their places in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final with semifinal wins on Wednesday, and both also confirmed qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The results mean the WAFCON final on Sunday will feature a debut finalist in Malawi and a Cameroon side that came through a penalty shootout to advance.

Malawi’s debut run continues with 3-1 win over

Malawi’s debut run continues with 3-1 win over Algeria Africa Cup Malawi, ranked 153rd globally and appearing at the tournament for the first time, beat Algeria 3-1 in the first semifinal. Tabitha Chawinga scored twice to lead Malawi’s scoring, as the match also featured two red cards that reduced both teams to 10 players. Officials dismissed Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter and Malawi’s Rose Kadzere, leaving the contest level in numbers for the remainder of the game.

Cameroon edge Morocco after 0-0 and a decisive shootout In the second semifinal In the second semifinal, Cameroon progressed past Morocco after a goalless draw, winning the penalty shootout 3-1 at Moulay Al Hassan Stadium. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina proved pivotal by saving three penalties, giving Cameroon the margin needed to reach the final. The semifinal success followed Cameroon’s quarterfinal result, where they recorded a 1-0 upset against Nigeria. That win was described as Cameroon’s second victory over Nigeria across 14 WAFCON encounters, underlining the scale of the quarterfinal breakthrough before Wednesday’s shootout victory. All four semifinalists secure 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification Officials said the semifinal outcomes confirm that Malawi, Cameroon, Algeria, and Morocco have all qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. For Malawi and Algeria, the qualification marks their first-ever appearances at the Women’s World Cup. Morocco will return for a second time Morocco will return for a second time, after reaching the Round of 16 in 2023. Cameroon will make its third appearance, having previously competed in 2015 and 2019.

Sunday’s final next as playoff routes remain for others The WAFCON final is scheduled for Sunday, with Malawi and Cameroon set to compete for the title.

Other African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, will play upcoming matches that will determine which teams move on to the intercontinental playoff for the final remaining World Cup berths.