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African nations at the FIFA Women's World Cup

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Association football is among the most popular sports in Africa, with eight members of the Confederation of African Football having competed at the sport's biggest international event, the FIFA Women's World Cup. The highest ranked result in the Women's World Cup for an African team is quarter-finals in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup by Nigeria.

Overview

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1991
China
(12)
1995
Sweden
(12)
1999
United States
(16)
2003
United States
(16)
2007
China
(16)
2011
Germany
(16)
2015
Canada
(24)
2019
France
(24)
2023
Australia
New Zealand
(32)
2027
Brazil
(32)
Total
Teams Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria
Ghana
Nigeria
Ghana
Nigeria
Ghana
Nigeria
Equatorial Guinea
Nigeria
Cameroon
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Cameroon
South Africa
Nigeria
South Africa
Zambia
Morocco
20
Top 16 1 2 3 6
Top 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Top 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Top 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1st 0
2nd 0
3rd 0
4th 0
Country # Years Best result
 Nigeria
9
1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 QF
 Ghana
3
1999, 2003, 2007 GS
 Cameroon
2
2015, 2019 R2
 South Africa
2
2019, 2023 R2
 Morocco
1
2023 R2
 Equatorial Guinea
1
2011 GS
 Ivory Coast
1
2015 GS
 Zambia
1
2023 GS

Results

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Most finishes in the top four

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None

Team results by tournament

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Legend

The team ranking in each tournament is according to FIFA.[1] The rankings, apart from the top four positions, are not a result of direct competition between the teams; instead, teams eliminated in the same round are ranked by their full results in the tournament. In recent tournaments, FIFA has used the rankings for seedings for the final tournament draw.[2]

For each tournament, the number of teams in each finals tournament (in brackets) are shown.

Team 1991
China
(12)
1995
Sweden
(12)
1999
United States
(16)
2003
United States
(16)
2007
China
(16)
2011
Germany
(16)
2015
Canada
(24)
2019
France
(24)
2023
Australia
New Zealand
(32)
2027
Brazil
(32)
Total Qual.
Comp.
 Cameroon × R2
11th
R2
15th
TBD 2 8
 Equatorial Guinea × × × R1
15th
× TBD 1 5
 Ghana R1
T-13th
R1
12th
R1
15th
TBD 3 9
 Ivory Coast × × × R1
23th
TBD 1 6
 Morocco × × R2
12th
TBD 1 7
 Nigeria R1
10th
R1
11th
QF
7th
R1
15th
R1
13th
R1
9th
R1
21st
R2
16th
R2
10th
TBD 9 9
 South Africa × R1
22nd
R2
16th
TBD 2 8
 Zambia × × × R1
25th
TBD 1 6

Tournament standings

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Team Champions Finals Semi-finals Quarter-finals Second round
 Nigeria 0 0 0 1 2
 Cameroon 0 0 0 0 2
 Morocco 0 0 0 0 1
 South Africa 0 0 0 0 1

Overall team records

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As per statistical convention in football, matches decided in extra time are counted as wins and losses, while matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws. 3 points per win, 1 point per draw and 0 points per loss.

Results through 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Nigeria 30 5 6 19 23 65 –42 21
 Cameroon 8 3 0 5 12 12 0 9
 Morocco 4 2 0 2 2 10 –8 6
 Ghana 9 1 1 7 6 30 –24 4
 South Africa 7 1 1 5 6 16 –10 4
 Zambia 3 1 0 2 3 11 –8 3
 Equatorial Guinea 3 0 0 3 2 7 –5 0
 Ivory Coast 3 0 0 3 3 16 –13 0

Appearances

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Ranking of teams by number of appearances

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Team Appearances Record streak Active streak Debut Most recent Best result (* = hosts)
 Nigeria 9 9 9 1991 2023 Quarter-finals (1999)
 Ghana 3 3 0 1999 2007 Group stage (1999, 2003, 2007)
 Cameroon 2 2 0 2015 2019 Round of 16 (2015, 2019)
 South Africa 2 2 2 2019 2023 Group stage (2019)
 Equatorial Guinea 1 1 0 2011 2011 Group stage (2011)
 Ivory Coast 1 1 0 2015 2015 Group stage (2015)
 Morocco 1 1 1 2023 2023 TBD
 Zambia 1 1 1 2023 2023 TBD

Team debuts

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Year Debutants Total
1991  Nigeria 1
1999  Ghana 1
2011  Equatorial Guinea 1
2015  Cameroon,  Ivory Coast 2
2019  South Africa 1
2023  Morocco,  Zambia 2
Total 8

Summary of performance

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This table shows the number of countries represented at the Women's World Cup, the number of entries (#E) from around the world including any rejections and withdrawals, the number of African entries (#A), how many of those African entries withdrawn (#A-) before/during qualification or were rejected by FIFA, the African representatives at the Women's World Cup finals, the number of World Cup Qualifiers each African representative had to play to get to the World Cup (#WCQ), the furthest stage reached, results, and coaches.

Year Host Size #E #A #A- African finalists #WCQ Stage Results Coach
1991  China 12 48 8 4[3]  Nigeria 3 Group stage lost 0–4  Germany, lost 0–1  Italy, lost 0–2  Chinese Taipei Netherlands Jo Bonfrère
1995  Sweden 12 55 8 2[4]  Nigeria 3 Group stage lost 0–8  Norway, drew 3–3  Canada, lost 2–3  England Nigeria Paul Hamilton
1999  United States 16 67 15 4[5]  Ghana 4 Group stage drew 1–1  Australia, lost 0–7  China, lost 0–2  Sweden Ghana Emmanuel Kwasi Afranie
 Nigeria 5 Quarter-finals won 2–1  North Korea, lost 1–7  United States, won 2–0  Denmark, lost 3–4  Brazil (g.g.) Nigeria Mabo Ismaila
2003  United States 16 99 22 3[6]  Ghana 7 Group stage lost 0–1  China, lost 0–3  Russia, won 2–1  Australia Ghana Oko Aryee
 Nigeria 5 Group stage lost 0–3  North Korea, lost 0–5  United States, lost 0–3  Sweden Nigeria Samuel Okpodu
2007  China 16 120 35 9[7]  Ghana 5 Group stage lost 1–4  Australia, lost 0–4  Canada, lost 2–7  Norway Ghana Isaac Paha
 Nigeria 5 Group stage drew 1–1  Sweden, lost 0–2  North Korea, lost 0–1  United States Nigeria Ntiero Effiom
2011  Germany 16 125 24 4[8]  Equatorial Guinea 6 Group stage lost 0–1  Norway, lost 2–3  Australia, lost 0–3  Brazil Italy Brazil Marcello Frigério
 Nigeria 5 Group stage lost 0–1  France, lost 0–1  Germany, won 1–0  Canada Nigeria Ngozi Eucharia Uche
2015  Canada 24 134 26 5[9]  Cameroon 7 Round of 16 won 6–0  Ecuador, lost 1–2  Japan, won 2–1  Switzerland, lost 0–1  China Cameroon Carl Enow
 Ivory Coast 9 Group stage lost 0–10  Germany, lost 2–3  Thailand, lost 1–3  Norway Ivory Coast Clémentine Touré
 Nigeria 7 Group stage drew 3–3  Sweden, lost 0–2  Australia, lost 0–1  United States Nigeria Edwin Okon
2019  France 24 144 25 1[10]  Cameroon 7 Round of 16 lost 0–1  Canada, lost 1–3  Netherlands, won 2–1  New Zealand, lost 0–3  England Cameroon Alain Djeumfa
 Nigeria 7 Round of 16 lost 0–3  Norway, won 2–0  South Korea, lost 0–1  France, lost 0–3  Germany Sweden Thomas Dennerby
 South Africa 7 Group stage lost 1–3  Spain, lost 0–1  China, lost 0–4  Germany South Africa Desiree Ellis
2023  Australia
 New Zealand
32 172 45 5[11]  Morocco 6 Round of 16 lost 0–6  Germany, won 1–0  South Korea, won 1–0  Colombia, lost 0–4  France France Reynald Pedros
 Nigeria 10 Round of 16 drew 0–0  Canada, won 3–2  Australia, drew 0–0  Republic of Ireland, drew 0–0  England (lost 2–4 (p)) United States Randy Waldrum
 South Africa 10 Round of 16 lost 1–2  Sweden, drew 2–2  Argentina, won 3–2  Italy, lost 0–2  Netherlands South Africa Desiree Ellis
 Zambia 10 Group stage lost 0–5  Japan, lost 0–5  Spain, won 3–1  Costa Rica Zambia Bruce Mwape

Not yet qualified

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46 of the 54 active FIFA and CAF members have never appeared in the final tournament.

Legend
  • TBD — To be determined (may still qualify for upcoming tournament)
  •  •  — Did not qualify
  •  ×  — Did not enter / Withdrew / Banned
  •     — Not affiliated in FIFA
  •  ••  — Qualified, but withdrew before Finals
Country Number of
Qualifying
attempts
1991
China
1995
Sweden
1999
United States
2003
United States
2007
China
2011
Germany
2015
Canada
2019
France
2023
Australia
New Zealand
2027
Brazil
 Algeria 5 × × × × TBD
 Angola 5 × × × × TBD
 Benin 3 × × × × × × TBD
 Botswana 4 × × × × × TBD
 Burundi 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Cape Verde 0 × × × × × × × × × TBD
 Central African Republic 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Chad 0 × × × × × × × × × TBD
 Comoros 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Congo 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Djibouti 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 DR Congo 4 × × × × × TBD
 Egypt 5 × × × × TBD
 Eritrea 3 × × × × × × TBD
 Ethiopia 5 × × × × TBD
 Gabon 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Gambia 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Guinea 5 × × × × TBD
 Guinea-Bissau 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Kenya 4 × × × × × TBD
 Lesotho 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Liberia 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Libya 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Madagascar 0 × × × × × × × × × TBD
 Malawi 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Mali 6 × × × TBD
 Mauritania 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Mauritius 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Mozambique 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Namibia 5 × × × × TBD
 Niger 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Rwanda 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 São Tomé and Príncipe 3 × × × × × × TBD
 Senegal 6 × × × TBD
 Seychelles 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Sierra Leone 1 × × × × × × × × TBD
 Somalia 0 × × × × × × × × × TBD
 South Sudan 2 Part of  Sudan × TBD
 Sudan 0 × × × × × × × × × TBD
 Tanzania 6 × × × TBD
 Togo 2 × × × × × × × TBD
 Tunisia 3 × × × × × × TBD
 Uganda 4 × × × × × TBD
 Zimbabwe 4 × × × × × TBD

Competitive history

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1991: disappointing debut

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With the first FIFA Women's World Cup in China, Nigeria became the only African representative in the tournament, having won the inaugural 1991 African Women's Championship after beating Cameroon. In the first World Cup for Africa's only representative, Nigeria had a disappointing show. Being drawn with Germany, Italy and Chinese Taipei in group C, Nigeria were completely obliterated in the tournament, with a heavy loss to Germany 0–5 and two hard-fought losses to Italy 0–1 and Chinese Taipei 0–2. Nigeria left the tournament pointless and goalless, which left Africa little to demonstrate at the women's world stage.

1995: first point, but still the same

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In the edition four years later in Sweden, the Nigerians were again Africa's only representative after beating South Africa in the final of the 1995 African Women's Championship. Drawn with Canada, England and eventual champions Norway, Nigeria finally achieved its first point, a 3–3 draw with North American opponent Canada; but defeats to England and especially, the heavy loss to Norway 0–8, sent Nigeria to bottom of the group, with Africa still failed to impress at the women's world stage.

1999: historic win and record debutants

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By reaching the final of the 1998 African Women's Championship, Nigeria and Ghana qualified for the World Cup held in the United States, with the latter being the historic debut. This World Cup marked for the first time, Nigeria managed to progress from the group stage, with two wins against debutant North Korea and European opponent Denmark proved the difference, making their heavy loss 1–7 to the United States only a temporary setback in Nigeria's success. The Nigerians then played all out against South American powerhouse Brazil, which saw Nigeria lost 3–4 due to a golden goal in extra time, making this World Cup Nigeria's most successful up to date. Ghana, on the other hand, was not successful, only acquired one point in the group stage, a 1–1 draw against Australia, with two heavy losses to China and Sweden condemned Ghana to bottom of the group D.

2003: same participants but with disappointment

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After the 1999 phenomenon, Nigeria and Ghana returned to the United States for the 2003 edition, hoping to repeat the same feat. However, the return proved to be a nightmare, with Nigeria found itself in group A against hosts and defending champions United States, alongside European giant Sweden and rising Asian power North Korea; Nigeria were totally humiliated after losing all three matches and conceding 11, scoring none, the first time since 1991 that Nigeria could not score a goal. Ghana was more impressive a bit in group D, earning a historic win against old foe Australia 2–1, but two earlier losses to China and Russia prevented Ghana from progressing.

2007: same participants, with only worse performance

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The 2007 edition held in China was the most disappointing performance for both Nigeria and Ghana, Africa's only representatives for a third consecutive time. Drawn in group B and, like 2003, again facing the United States, Sweden and North Korea, the Nigerians did a better work by holding Sweden 1–1, but defeats to North Korea and the United States condemned the Super Falcons to bottom place. Ghana, meanwhile, did even worse, losing all three games in group C, against Australia 1–4, Canada 0–4 and Norway 2–7, and ended up in bottom place as well. With only a point gained, Africa once again failed to impress at the women's stage.

2011: change of debutant, but same old results

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The 2011 World Cup in Germany marked the absence of Ghana – the two African representatives were Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Like 2003 and 2007, neither Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea could barely perform at its full extent in the competition as well. In Group A, Nigeria faced up against the hosts, powerhouse and then-world champions Germany, rising European power France and North American foe Canada; all what Nigeria could do was a win against Canada 1–0, while defeats with the same scoreline to Germany and France ended any automatic progression hope for the Super Falcons. Equatorial Guinea were drawn in group D, and faltered in the group stage with three straight defeats, although it did perform bravely against European giant Norway and Asian powerhouse Australia, losing just by one-goal margin before getting thumped 0–3 by Brazil.

2015: historic debutants record and Africa's first roar in 16 years

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The tournament in Canada witnessed Nigeria joining two new debutants, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, heading to the competition. Nigeria, drawn in group D, found itself in a tough situation against giants United States and Sweden, as well as Asian powerhouse Australia; all what Nigeria could do was an exciting 3–3 draw to Sweden, before two defeats to the Matildas and the Americans ended any hope to progress again. Ivory Coast, drawn with Germany, Norway and Thailand in group B, did terribly worse, including the 0–10 record loss to Germany, and finished last with no point. Ange N'Guessan was the Ivorians' main phenomenon, with her goal against Norway being nominated as one of the best in the tournament.

The other debutant, Cameroon, had done an exceptionally brilliant job as Nigeria and Ivory Coast failed. Being drawn in group C with Switzerland, Ecuador and world champions Japan, Cameroon impressed with two wins over Ecuador 6–0 and Switzerland 2–1, finished second and progressed to the knockout stage, where the Indomitable Lionesses lost to China 0–1 in the last sixteen. Nonetheless, Cameroon's success meant the Cameroonians became the second team in Africa to progress from the group stage, and the first to do so in 16 years.

2019: history written for Africa

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France 2019 saw Nigeria, Cameroon and debutant South Africa took part in the tournament as Africa's representatives. This tournament was historic for the continent — for the first time, two African teams booked places in the knockout stage. Nigeria were drawn in group A with hosts France, Norway and South Korea; the Super Falcons disappointed with two losses to France and Norway, but a necessary 2–0 win over Asian representative South Korea gave Nigeria third place, in which it ultimately progressed thanked to Chile's failure to score more than two goals against Thailand. Cameroon, meanwhile, had a hard time in a tough group with rising European power Netherlands and North American foe Canada, with Cameroon losing both games despite putting brave fights, it was only by the late goal from Ajara Nchout against New Zealand that Cameroon finally booked a place in the last sixteen as one of the best third-placed team. Both Nigeria and Cameroon went to crash out of that stage, losing to Germany and England with the same 0–3 scoreline.

South Africa, meanwhile, was Africa's only representative to fail to progress, although the draw had put South Africa to face sterner opponents. South Africa lost to Spain 1–3 after Thembi Kgatlana stunned with a goal lead in the first half, before falling to China and Germany 0–1 and 0–4 together.

2023: record debutants and greater expectation

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With the edition in Australia and New Zealand, the World Cup was expanded to 32 teams. Nigeria and South Africa, having participated in 2019 edition, will return to the World Cup in 2023, joined by two new debutants, Zambia and Morocco.

South Africa and Morocco made to knockout stage for the first time ever, along with Nigeria also reached the knockout stage as well, although all of them were eliminated in round of 16.

References

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  1. ^ "FIFA World Cup Statistical Overview (page 4)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 18, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2006.
  2. ^ Seeding of national teams (PDF). Archived 4 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed 12 September 2016.
  3. ^ Congo, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe withdrew during the tournament.
  4. ^ Cameroon and Guinea withdrew during the tournament.
  5. ^ Namibia, Kenya and Sierra Leone withdrew during the qualification. Mozambique withdrew during the tournament.
  6. ^ Botswana, Guinea-Bissau and Swaziland withdrew during the qualification.
  7. ^ Congo, Eritrea, Lesotho, Libya, Namibia, Swaziland and Uganda withdrew during the qualification. Central African Republic were disqualified. Original hosts Gabon withdrew from the tournament.
  8. ^ Egypt, Kenya, Namibia and Togo withdrew during the qualification.
  9. ^ Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone withdrew during the qualification.
  10. ^ Sierra Leone withdrew during the qualification.
  11. ^ DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sudan withdrew during the qualification.
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