At the conclusion of a pulse-pounding Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, Algeria’s national team overcame Ivory Coast (2-1) to claim the first World Cup qualification in the program’s history. It stands as a monumental landmark permanently etched into the story of African football.
The Algerian women’s national squad made history on Saturday by advancing to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) for the very first time, courtesy of a dramatic 2-1 comeback over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, simultaneously booking a breakthrough spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Trailing during the opening half, the Algerians showed exceptional resilience to reverse the momentum after the interval and secure a milestone victory that will remain a cornerstone in the development of Algerian women’s football.
This victory holds extra significance as it came at the end of an intense encounter where Farid Benstiti’s squad had to rely on deep physical and mental endurance to pull themselves back into contention.
After conceding the opening goal, the Greens refused to retreat, keeping faith in their ability until they successfully overturned the scoreline. The flow of the match reflected the determined mindset displayed by this roster since the tournament began. Disciplined, compact, and increasingly decisive in the final third, the team demonstrated an ability to respond under severe pressure. Beyond individual goal scorers and standout performers, this qualification represents a triumph for the entire group.
It stands as a reward for the collective effort of the whole squad—from players on the pitch to those supporting the campaign off it—alongside the technical, medical, and administrative staff. Everyone contributed toward shaping a unit capable of challenging the continent’s top sides and making a major leap forward on the international stage. Head coach Farid Benstiti emphasized his pride in the progress made since taking charge, praising the composure of his players as they rallied following the equalizer and a missed penalty by the Ivoirians, signaling a new chapter for the sport.
The team’s response against Ivory Coast highlights the steady rise achieved in recent years. After reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the previous edition of the tournament, the Greens have now climbed to a higher level by securing a spot among the final four teams.
Yet the achievement reaches far beyond a semi-final appearance. By breaking into the last four, Algeria also captured its inaugural qualification for the Women’s World Cup main tournament. Midfielder Ines Khiri, who netted the equalizer, and attacker Amira Ould Braham, who delivered the winning strike, shared their joy in post-match comments to CAF media, dedicating the win to the Algerian public and pointing to the team’s calm mindset during high-pressure stretches. The 2027 tournament in Brazil will offer this group a landmark platform to test themselves against the elite forces of international football.
This historic success also delivers a powerful boost to the growth of the women’s game across Algeria. The path forged by captain Marine Dafour, who plays for Bristol City, and her teammates proves that structured, long-term preparation can enable the national team to climb into high-level competition. For young girls playing football across the country today, this team provides a tangible blueprint and inspiration. The 2027 World Cup in Brazil now stands as a clear, achievable target for a whole new generation. The Algerian squad must now pivot quickly from the Ivory Coast result and channel their focus into their upcoming commitment: the WAFCON 2026 semi-final on August 12 against the winner of the quarter-final tie between Ghana and Malawi.
With their World Cup spot confirmed, Benstiti’s team can enter the semi-final fixture with elevated confidence and refreshed determination. With the ticket to Brazil secured, the Greens have an opportunity to push their continental run even further and target a first-ever appearance in the WAFCON final. Regardless of their upcoming opponent, the Algerians have proven they possess both the quality to compete and the resilience to turn around the toughest circumstances. While the victory over Ivory Coast will be remembered as the breakthrough that redefined Algerian women’s football, for this ambitious squad, the journey may only be starting.