The 2026 WAFCON officially begins in Morocco on Sunday, with 16 of Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental honours and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to reports monitored by Valid9ja from CAF and other verified football sources, the tournament will run from July 26 to August 16, with matches taking place in Rabat and Casablanca. This edition is expected to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco is hosting the competition once again after successfully staging recent editions, while defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be aiming to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
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One of the biggest changes in the 2026 WAFCON is the expansion from 12 to 16 participating teams.
Information obtained by Valid9ja from CAF and tournament reports shows that the larger format is designed to increase participation and promote the continued growth of women’s football across Africa. The teams are divided into four groups, with the top sides progressing to the knockout stage.
Beyond lifting the continental trophy, teams will also be chasing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The four semi-finalists will secure Africa’s automatic qualification spots, while additional playoff opportunities are available for other qualifying teams under FIFA’s qualification pathway.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and one of the favourites to win the title again.
The Super Falcons are expected to face stiff competition from host nation Morocco, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana, all of whom boast experienced squads and several players competing in top international leagues.
Several of Africa’s biggest stars are expected to feature during the tournament.
Among them are Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak, as well as Malawi’s Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who have enjoyed impressive club seasons.
Matches will be played across stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the final scheduled for August 16.
The opening day features Algeria against Senegal before hosts Morocco take on Kenya in front of their home supporters. Organisers have also scheduled evening kick-off times to reduce the impact of high temperatures during the competition.
The 2026 WAFCON promises exciting football, emerging talent and high stakes as Africa’s best women’s national teams battle for continental supremacy and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With Nigeria seeking another title and several strong challengers in the field, football fans across the continent will be watching closely as the tournament unfolds in Morocco