WAFCON Semi-Final Preview: Finalists Take Shape in Morocco

This WAFCON semi-final preview arrives with the tournament wide open: two shock exits, two history-making underdogs, and a host nation still chasing its first-ever title. On Wednesday, 12 August, Morocco face Cameroon in Casablanca while Algeria take on Malawi in Rabat, with a spot in Sunday's final at the Olympic Stadium up for grabs.

Every side left in the competition has already booked its ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, so from here, it's all about the trophy. Below, you'll find the full schedule, how each finalist got here, the players who could decide these games, and where you can follow every kick if you want to watch the semi-finals unfold live.

WAFCON 2026 Semi-Final Schedule at a Glance

Here's exactly when and where you can catch both semi-finals, plus the final if you're planning your week around it.

How the Final Four Got Here

You don't reach the last four of WAFCON by accident, and this year's quarter-finals threw up two genuine upsets alongside two rounds of business as usual for the hosts.

Morocco 2-1 South Africa

The Atlas Lionesses got the better of a repeat of the 2022 final, with Sakina Ouzraoui's first-time finish and an Ibtissam Jraïdi penalty enough to see off Banyana Banyana in Rabat. The win also confirmed Morocco's World Cup qualification and sent them into a third straight semi-final on home soil.

Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria

The biggest shock of the round. Cameroon shut out defending champions and ten-time WAFCON winners Nigeria to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2018, ending the Super Falcons' title defence at the quarter-final stage.

Algeria 2-1 Ivory Coast

Algeria came from behind in Casablanca, capitalising on a red card to score twice and book their first-ever WAFCON semi-final. For the Fennecs, this is already a historic run, and one that's guaranteed them a first-ever Women's World Cup appearance.

Malawi 2-1 Ghana

The story of the tournament. Malawi, making their WAFCON debut, went behind early before Temwa Chawinga levelled and Rose Kadzere struck a 79th-minute winner. It's the Scorchers' first-ever appearance at the finals, and they're now just one win away from a maiden final, having already beaten defending champions Nigeria in the group stage.

Morocco vs Cameroon: The Host Nation's Date With Destiny

You could argue no side carries more weight into this semi-final than Morocco. This is their third consecutive appearance at this stage, and they've lost both of their previous two finals, to South Africa in 2022 and Nigeria in 2024. No North African nation has ever won WAFCON, and the Atlas Lionesses, under 2023 Women's World Cup winner Jorge Vilda, will feel this is their best chance yet to change that.

Cameroon arrive full of confidence after knocking out the reigning champions, and they'll be the side with nothing to lose. Between 2002 and 2018, Cameroon made every single WAFCON semi-final, so this is also a return to familiar territory for the Indomitable Lionesses after a few years away from the business end of the tournament.

Keep an eye on Morocco's home advantage and their record in shootouts, they've won two of their previous four quarter-final or semi-final ties on penalties, so this side knows how to grind out a knockout match even when it isn't pretty.

Algeria vs Malawi: History-Makers Collide

Whatever happens in Rabat, this fixture guarantees a first-time WAFCON finalist. Algeria have never been past the quarter-finals before this year, while Malawi are competing in their first-ever WAFCON finals tournament.

Malawi's run has been built on the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who've combined for key goals throughout the group stage and knockout rounds. Their pace on the counter-attack has troubled every defence they've faced so far, and Algeria's back line will need a clear plan for containing them without opening space in behind.

Algeria, meanwhile, have shown resilience all tournament, coming from behind against Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals. If you're weighing up this one, momentum and squad depth after a longer, more physical route through the tournament could be just as decisive as individual quality.

Players to Watch in the WAFCON Semi-Finals

• Sakina Ouzraoui (Morocco) – Two goals so far and Morocco's sharpest finisher inside the box.
• Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco) – Composed from the penalty spot and a constant threat in behind.
• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) – One of Africa's most dangerous forwards, capable of turning a match alone.
• Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) – The other half of Malawi's attacking partnership, and just as clinical.
• Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco) – A goalkeeper with a history of big knockout-stage saves for the hosts.
• Rose Kadzere (Malawi) – Scored the quarter-final winner and has been a difference-maker off the bench.

The Road to the Final

Whoever wins on Wednesday advances to Sunday's final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, and with it, a shot at ending Morocco's wait for a first WAFCON title or writing an entirely new chapter for Cameroon, Algeria, or Malawi. All four semi-finalists have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, so from here, every match is about legacy rather than logistics.

Following the Action: Markets Worth Knowing for the Semi-Finals

If you want to follow the semi-finals beyond just the score, Sportsbet.io's sportsbook covers international football with a full range of markets and live, in-play odds that update as each match unfolds. A few markets worth knowing before kick-off:

• 1X2 – A straight bet on Morocco, Cameroon, or a draw inside 90 minutes (and the same for Algeria vs Malawi).
• Totals (Over/Under) – Betting on whether the combined goals in a match land above or below a set number.
• Handicap – Levels an uneven-looking tie by giving one side a virtual head start.
• Prop bets – Markets on individual moments, like the first goal-scorer or total cards in the match.

You can also follow both semi-finals through in-play betting, with odds moving in real time as Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria, and Malawi push for a place in Sunday's final. New players can also check the current welcome offer before the semi-finals kick off.

Betting Responsibly on WAFCON

Tournament football is exciting to follow, and it's easy to get swept up in a knockout atmosphere like this one. If you do choose to bet on the semi-finals, keep it about enjoying the matches rather than chasing an outcome.

• Set a budget before kick-off and treat it as the cost of following the tournament, not money you expect back.
• Use deposit and loss limits to cap what you can add or lose over a set period.
• Take advantage of session reminders so you always know how long you've been engaged.
• Step away using time-outs or self-exclusion tools if betting stops feeling like entertainment.

You can find these tools, along with full guidance, on Sportsbet.io's responsible gambling page. Betting is only ever meant to add to the experience of watching football, and free, confidential support is available from organisations such as GamCare and Gambling Therapy if you or someone you know needs it, regardless of where you're watching from.

WAFCON Semi-Final FAQs

When are the WAFCON 2026 semi-finals?

Both semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Morocco play Cameroon in Casablanca, and Algeria face Malawi in Rabat.

Where is the WAFCON 2026 final being played?

The final is set for Sunday, 16 August 2026, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Has Morocco ever won WAFCON?

No. Morocco reached the final in 2022 and 2024 but lost both times, to South Africa and Nigeria respectively. No North African nation has won the tournament.

Is this Malawi's first WAFCON appearance?

Yes. Malawi are competing at the WAFCON finals for the first time in their history and are already guaranteed a first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup appearance in 2027.

Do all four semi-finalists qualify for the 2027 World Cup?

Yes. Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria, and Malawi have all secured automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil simply by reaching the semi-finals.

Where can I watch the WAFCON semi-finals?

Broadcast availability varies by region, so check your local sports broadcaster or CAF's official channels for confirmed coverage in your country.

Ready for Semi-Final Night?

Two matches, four history-hungry nations, and one final on the line. Whichever way you think it'll go, Wednesday's semi-finals are shaping up to be the best matches of the tournament so far. Explore all upcoming football fixtures and odds at Sportsbet.io, or head straight to in-play betting once the semi-finals kick off.