By OkayGoal
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is heading to Brazil in 2027. While Spain will compete to earn their second straight title, multiple countries will also be competing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Next year, Algeria and Malawi will make their World Cup debut.
Algeria
Algeria secured their spot in the World Cup in Brazil during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Algeria national team reached the WAFCON semifinals after a comeback win over the Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals to qualify. Algeria went on to win against Morocco in the WAFCON third-place match.
The team will be led by head coach Farid Benstiti, who is an internationally accomplished coach and former midfielder. Before becoming the manager of the Algeria national team in 2022, he served as the head coach of the NWSL’s Seattle Reign. While Benstiti won’t announce the roster until next year, Algeria is optimistic about their talent and chance to make a run in the tournament. Midfielder Mélissa Bethi, a regular selection for the Algeria national team, signed with NWSL’s Washington Spirit in July.
Malawi
Malawi also clinched their first FIFA Women’s World Cup berth during the 2026 WAFCON. The Malawi national team, also known as the Scorchers, beat Ghana in the quarterfinal to secure their spot in the World Cup. They continued to advance until they lost to Cameroon in the WAFCON final.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili sits at the helm of the Malawi national team. He is a former member of the Malawi mens national team and is the first Malawi coach to record a win in the WAFCON. The Scorchers are led by a sister duo, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Outside the national team, Tabitha is a forward for the OL Lyonnes, and Temwa is a forward for the NWSL’s Kansas City Current. Temwa is a former NWSL MVP and is considered one of the best players in the league.
Featured image via the Confederation of African Football.