With a record prize fund, expanded format, World Cup qualification at stake and some of the finest players on the continent preparing to compete, Morocco 2026 promises to be one of the most fiercely contested editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
The stage is set for the biggest Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in history as 16 of Africa’s finest national teams converge on Morocco for the 2026 edition of the continental showpiece.
For defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the mission is straightforward: retain their crown and extend their unrivalled dominance with an 11th continental title. For the remaining 15 nations, Morocco 2026 presents an opportunity to rewrite history.
The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ushers in a new era after CAF expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams for the first time.
The participating nations have been divided into four groups of four, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the quarter-finals.
Morocco will host the tournament for a third consecutive edition, having become the home of African women’s football in recent years.
Nigeria arrive as defending champions and the most decorated nation in the competition’s history, while South Africa remain the only other former champions in this year’s field.
Two nations, Malawi and Cape Verde, will make their long-awaited WAFCON debuts, adding fresh storylines to an already fascinating tournament.
The championship will be staged across Rabat and Casablanca.
In Rabat, matches will take place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat Olympic Stadium, and Al Medina Stadium, while Casablanca will host fixtures at the Moulay Rachid Stadium and Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Morocco
Few teams have improved as dramatically as Morocco over the past four years.
The Atlas Lionesses have reached the finals of the last two WAFCON tournaments but have twice fallen agonisingly short. They lost to South Africa in the 2022 final before surrendering a two-goal lead against Nigeria in the 2024 final, eventually losing 3-2.
Backed by passionate home support once again, Morocco will believe this could finally be the year they lift their maiden continental title.
Algeria
Algeria quietly impressed at the previous tournament, reaching the quarter-finals without conceding a goal in open play or extra time before their eventual elimination.
Another knockout appearance will be the minimum expectation, while their North African derby against Morocco promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.
Senegal
The Teranga Lionesses have become one of Africa’s most consistent performers, reaching the quarter-finals at each of the last two editions.
Now armed with valuable tournament experience, Senegal will target another place in the knockout rounds.
Kenya
The Harambee Starlets return to WAFCON for the first time since 2016.
Although drawn into a difficult group, their qualification marks an important milestone as they seek to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite women’s teams.
South Africa
Former champions South Africa arrive among the favourites.
Desiree Ellis’ side welcome back star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the previous edition, as Banyana Banyana seek to reclaim the title they won in 2022 after settling for fourth place last time out.
Côte d’Ivoire
The Elephants enjoyed their finest WAFCON campaign in 2014 when they finished third after defeating South Africa, a result that secured their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
Now making only their third appearance at the finals, Côte d’Ivoire hope to recreate that magic.
Burkina Faso
