The quarter-final lineup for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations is now complete, with defending champions Nigeria set to face Cameroon in a highly anticipated last-eight clash. The draw was finalized on Thursday after Cameroon secured top spot in Group D with a 1-1 draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde in Casablanca.
Cameroon's unbeaten run sets up Nigeria showdown
Cameroon finished the group stage unbeaten, collecting seven points from three matches, with two victories and a draw. This impressive form ensures they enter the quarter-final with confidence, having shown consistency throughout the group phase. The Indomitable Lionesses will now face a Nigeria side that progressed as Group C runners-up after recovering from a shock opening defeat to Malawi with wins over Zambia and Egypt.
Nigeria, the defending champions, will rely on their experience and history in the tournament. However, Cameroon's unbeaten record means they will pose a significant threat. This encounter promises to be one of the most compelling ties of the last eight, with both teams eager to advance to the semi-finals.
Other quarter-final fixtures: Côte d'Ivoire vs Algeria, Morocco vs South Africa
The quarter-finals begin on Saturday, with four intriguing matches spread across Casablanca and Rabat. Côte d'Ivoire will face Algeria in Casablanca in the opening quarter-final, followed by hosts Morocco taking on defending runners-up South Africa in Rabat later in the evening.
Côte d'Ivoire impressed in the group stage, finishing top of Group B unbeaten, while Algeria have had a strong campaign. The Ivorians will aim to continue their resurgence, but Algeria will be determined to upset the emerging force. Meanwhile, Morocco will look to leverage home advantage against South Africa, who secured their place in the knockout rounds with a strong finish to Group B.
Sunday's fixtures: Malawi vs Ghana and the Nigeria-Cameroon blockbuster
Sunday brings the headline fixture, as Cameroon and Nigeria meet in Casablanca, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. The other quarter-final sees Malawi face Ghana in Rabat. Malawi have already produced one of the biggest shocks by defeating Nigeria in their opening match, and they will aim to replicate that form against Ghana, who will provide a stern test.
World Cup qualification adds extra stakes
Beyond the WAFCON title, there is a bigger prize at stake: the four quarter-final winners automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. This makes the last-eight fixtures even more crucial, as victory secures not only a place in the semi-finals but also a spot on the global stage.
With Nigeria, Cameroon, Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, Malawi, and Ghana all still in contention, the knockout stage promises to be intense. The race for the trophy has entered its decisive phase, and only four teams can emerge with their dreams intact.
2026 WAFCON quarter-final fixtures
- Saturday: Côte d'Ivoire vs Algeria, Morocco vs South Africa
- Sunday: Cameroon vs Nigeria, Malawi vs Ghana
Four matches, four World Cup tickets, and only four teams can advance. The tournament is set for a thrilling climax.
