The heartbeat of African women’s football is set to echo across North Africa as the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 prepares for a historic edition.
From July 26 to August 16, 2026, Morocco will become the centre of continental football as Africa’s finest women’s national teams compete for the ultimate prize.
With a record-breaking expansion, world-class venues, elite coaching talent, and a direct pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, WAFCON 2026 promises to be the biggest celebration of women’s football the continent has ever witnessed.
Morocco is ready to create another unforgettable chapter in African football history.
🚀 A Tournament of Historic Firsts
The 14th edition of WAFCON introduces major milestones that reflect the incredible growth of women’s football across Africa.
🌍 The Power of 16 Nations
For the first time in tournament history, 16 teams will compete at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The expanded format brings greater representation, stronger competition, and more opportunities for nations to shine on Africa’s biggest stage.
🇲🇦 Morocco Makes History
Morocco strengthens its position as a leading football destination by becoming the first country to host three consecutive WAFCON tournaments.
After successfully hosting previous editions, the nation is once again prepared to deliver a world-class football spectacle.
🇧🇷 The Road to Brazil Begins
The tournament carries enormous global significance.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while two additional teams will advance to the inter-continental play-offs.
Every match in Morocco will carry the pressure and excitement of a World Cup qualification battle.
💰 Bigger Rewards for African Champions
The winners will lift the prestigious WAFCON trophy and receive a record financial reward, with the victorious association taking home USD 1 million in prize money.
🏆 The Wildcard Teams: More Giants Join the Battle
Because CAF expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams after qualification had already been completed, four additional places were awarded to the highest-ranked second-round losers according to FIFA rankings.
This decision ensured that several of Africa’s strongest teams would still compete in Morocco.
The wildcard qualifiers are:
🇨🇲 Cameroon
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire
🇲🇱 Mali
🇪🇬 Egypt
Their inclusion adds even more quality, experience, and unpredictability to the tournament.
📋 Group Stage: 16 Nations, One Dream
🇲🇦 Group A — Rabat
🇲🇦 Morocco (Hosts)
Aiming to use home advantage and passionate support to chase their first WAFCON title.
🇩🇿 Algeria
A disciplined side with strong organisation and dangerous counter-attacking ability.
🇸🇳 Senegal
A physically powerful team combining strength with fast attacking transitions.
🇰🇪 Kenya
A determined challenger hoping to produce major surprises.
🇿🇦 Group B — Casablanca
🇿🇦 South Africa
The reigning champions arrive with confidence, tactical intelligence, and technical quality.
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire
A talented wildcard entrant ready to challenge Africa’s established powers.
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
A high-energy team built around aggression and intense pressing.
🇹🇿 Tanzania
A technically gifted side capable of controlling matches through possession.
🇳🇬 Group C — Rabat
🇳🇬 Nigeria
The defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s football nation, chasing another historic title.
🇿🇲 Zambia
A dangerous attacking team with pace, creativity, and world-class talent.
🇪🇬 Egypt
A rapidly improving nation determined to challenge the continent’s giants.
🇲🇼 Malawi
Making their historic WAFCON debut.
🇬🇭 Group D — Casablanca
🇬🇭 Ghana
A technically gifted team with creativity and strong midfield control.
🇨🇲 Cameroon
Bringing experience, physical strength, and tournament pedigree.
🇲🇱 Mali
Known for flair, individual brilliance, and dangerous attacking players.
🇨🇻 Cabo Verde
Making their first-ever WAFCON finals appearance as ambitious newcomers.
🏟️ World-Class Venues Ready for Action
The tournament will take place across two major Moroccan football cities.
🏙️ Rabat — Groups A & C
Matches will be played at:
⭐ Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
⭐ Moulay El Hassan Stadium
🏙️ Casablanca — Groups B & D
The city will host matches at:
⭐ Larbi Zaouli Stadium
These venues will provide the perfect stage for Africa’s best players to showcase their talent.
📅 Opening Matchdays (SAST)
The tournament officially begins on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Sunday, July 26 — Group A (Rabat)
⚽ 19:00 — 🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇸🇳 Senegal
⚽ 22:00 — 🇲🇦 Morocco vs 🇰🇪 Kenya
Monday, July 27 — Group B (Casablanca)
⚽ 19:00 — 🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇹🇿 Tanzania
⚽ 22:00 — 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
Tuesday, July 28 — Group C (Rabat)
⚽ 19:00 — 🇿🇲 Zambia vs 🇪🇬 Egypt
⚽ 22:00 — 🇳🇬 Nigeria vs 🇲🇼 Malawi
Wednesday, July 29 — Group D (Casablanca)
⚽ 19:00 — 🇬🇭 Ghana vs 🇨🇻 Cabo Verde
⚽ 22:00 — 🇨🇲 Cameroon vs 🇲🇱 Mali
🌍 The Stage Is Set
From Nigeria’s pursuit of another continental crown, South Africa’s title defence, Morocco’s home ambitions, and the rise of new challengers, WAFCON 2026 is set to become a landmark moment for African women’s football.
The continent’s greatest talents will arrive in Morocco with one goal:
To make history.
