- Morocco takes on North African rivals Algeria in the 2026 WAFCON third-place play-off on Saturday evening, August 15, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with
- Kickoff scheduled for 20:00 Hrs EAT.
- Both teams enter this clash having already guaranteed their places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semi-finals.
Host side Morocco will face North African rivals Algeria at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Saturday evening in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) third-place play-off, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 Hrs EAT.
Having already guaranteed their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the last four, both teams enter this clash seeking a podium finish to cap off impressive tournament runs.
Victory for Morocco will see them secure the bronze medal on home soil and bounce back following a disappointing 3-1 penalty shootout semi-final defeat to Cameroon after a 0–0 draw.
Meanwhile, Algeria travel to Rabat aiming for a historic high after reaching their first-ever WAFCON semi-finals, despite falling 3–1 to Malawi in their semi-final tie.
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Morocco vs Algeria predicted Lineups
Morocco: Khadija Er-Rmichi, Hanane Aït El Haj, Nouhaila Benzina, Maryame Atiq, Zineb Redouani, Élodie Nakkach, Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, Ibtissam Jraïdi
Algeria: Chloé Yamina N’Gazi, Roselène Khezami, Sofia Guellati, Morgane Belkhiter, Léa Abadou, Lina Boussaha, Marine Dafeur, Inès Boutaleb, Mélissa Bethi, Ghoutia Karchouni, Imène Merrouche
What was said before the game?
Jorge Vilda (Morocco)
Following Morocco’s penalty shootout loss to Cameroon in the semi-finals, the Spanish tactician stressed the importance of recovering mentally to compete for bronze.
“I am very sad about this painful elimination, but we fought until the final moments. The players have developed significantly and deserve continued support. We must quickly rebuild our confidence and focus entirely on finishing the tournament strongly in the third-place match against Algeria.”
Farid Benstiti (Algeria)
Following Algeria’s semi-final clash, the head coach highlighted his squad’s progress throughout the tournament:
“Reaching the semi-finals and securing direct World Cup qualification for the first time in Algeria’s history is a major milestone for our program. While missing the final hurts, playing the host nation for a bronze medal is another incredible test that my team is fully prepared to embrace.”
Morocco vs Algeria head to head record
The recent head-to-head record between these two North African rivals favors Morocco, including a tight victory during the group stage of this tournament:
2026 WAFCON (Group Stage): Morocco 1–0 Algeria
2024 International Friendly: Morocco 2–1 Algeria
2024 International Friendly: Morocco 3–0 Algeria
Morocco vs Algeria prediction
After their home defeat and with the title now out of reach, Morocco will aim to end on a high note with a podium finish. They will enter the match as favourites, but Algeria cannot be ruled out, as they will also be determined to finish the tournament strongly.