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World football’s governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will serve as the continent’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sixteen African nations, divided into four groups, will compete for direct entry into the expanded global competition.
All four teams that reach the tournament’s semi-finals will automatically secure spots at the 2027 showpiece, marking the first time South America hosts the event.
The qualification structure offers a second pathway for teams falling short in the knockout rounds.
The four losing quarter-finalists will contest play-off matches to decide two additional African representatives for the 10-nation FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament.
This two-phase intercontinental play-off, scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027, will ultimately grant three final teams entry into the World Cup.
The upcoming continental tournament features established powerhouses alongside emerging squads, with Nigeria seeking a record 10th consecutive World Cup appearance.
Previous qualifiers like Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Morocco, and Zambia will also compete alongside debut hopefuls when the action unfolds across Morocco.
