The biggest Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is about to kick off in Morocco. Sixteen top national teams from Africa are coming together for the 2026 tournament.
The tournament runs from 26 July to 16 August. It is not just about being the best in Africa. Teams are also fighting to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Every match is crucial.
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the task is clear: defend their title and claim an 11th continental win. For the other 15 nations, WAFCON 2026 is a chance to create history.
A bigger tournament, bigger stakes
This is the 14th edition of WAFCON, and it is the first time the number of teams has increased from 12 to 16.
The teams are split into four groups of four. The top two from each group will move on to the quarter-finals.
Morocco is hosting the tournament for the third time in a row. They are becoming the main hub for women’s football in Africa.
Nigeria comes into the tournament as defending champions and the most successful team in WAFCON history. South Africa is the only other former champion in the mix this year.
Two nations, Malawi and Cape Verde, will play their first-ever matches in WAFCON, adding excitement to the event.
Stadiums ready for Africa’s biggest Women’s Football festival
The matches will be held in Rabat and Casablanca.
In Rabat, games will take place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat Olympic Stadium, and Al Medina Stadium. Casablanca will host matches at the Moulay Rachid Stadium and Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Group C: Super Falcons target historic 11th Crown
Nigeria is the most respected team in African women’s football.
The Super Falcons have won 10 WAFCON titles. They have reached at least the semi-finals in every tournament since it started in 1998. They won the title again by beating Morocco in the exciting 2024 final.
Winning again in Morocco would strengthen Nigeria’s position as the top team in Africa.
Zambia
The Copper Queens are closing the gap on the top teams.
They finished third in 2022 and were quarter-finalists in 2024. Zambia has one of Africa’s strongest attacking teams and believes a first continental title is possible.
Egypt
Egypt is back after being away for ten years.
They did not progress past the group stage in their last two appearances in 1998 and 2016. This time, they want to make it to the knockout rounds.
Malawi
The Scorchers are debuting at WAFCON.
With stars Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga leading the attack, Malawi's fearless style could surprise many at the tournament.
Brazil 2027 Qualification raises the stakes
The tournament is not just about winning in Africa; there is a bigger prize.
It also serves as the way for African teams to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four winners from the quarter-finals will qualify automatically. The losing teams will enter play-offs, with two of them moving on to the FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament.
Reaching the quarter-finals means every team stays in the hunt for a World Cup spot.
Record Prize Money on offer
CAF has raised the prize money for this tournament.
The champions will get $2 million, which is double the $1 million from the last tournament. Overall, the prize pool has increased by 67 percent, from $3.475 million to a record $5.8 million.
Stars ready to light up Morocco
Some of the top names in African women’s football will be on display.
Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria is the face of the Super Falcons. The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year continues to lead with her experience and winning spirit, having played in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Ghizlane Chebbak from Morocco is the reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year. She is the captain and has won the WAFCON Golden Boot twice, carrying the hopes of the host nation.
Rasheedat Ajibade from Nigeria has become one of Africa’s best players. Known as the “Girl with the Blue Hair,” she combines hard work, creativity, and skill while leading the Super Falcons.
Esther Okoronkwo from Nigeria is full of confidence after an impressive last tournament, where she scored two goals and made six assists, including a match-winning performance in the final against Morocco.
Thembi Kgatlana from South Africa missed the last tournament but returns this time. The 2018 Golden Boot winner is vital to Banyana Banyana’s title hopes.
Barbra Banda from Zambia is one of the most feared strikers. The NWSL star has speed and finishing ability and will lead Zambia’s quest for their first title.
Tabitha Chawinga from Malawi, along with her sister Temwa, brings strong attacking skills to the debuting team. She has made a name for herself in Europe and can challenge any defense.
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné from Cameroon is a leader for the Indomitable Lionesses. With over ten years of international play, her goals and commitment are key to Cameroon’s success.
Chloé N’Gazi from Algeria was one of the best goalkeepers in the last edition and will be crucial again, helping Algeria keep a strong defense.
Everything to Play For
With a record prize fund, a larger tournament format, World Cup qualification on the line, and top players ready to compete, WAFCON 2026 promises to be exciting.
For Nigeria, it is a chance to add an 11th title to their legacy. For Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, and other rising teams, it is a chance to start a new chapter.
In the next three weeks, Africa’s best teams will fight not just for glory but also for a spot at the 2027 World Cup, meaning every match could change the future of women’s football in Africa.
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