The countdown is over. The 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially gets underway in Morocco this Sunday, July 26, 2026, as Africa’s finest women’s football nations prepare for a thrilling three-week battle for continental glory.
With a record-breaking 16-team format, increased financial rewards, and a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, this year’s tournament promises to be the biggest and most competitive WAFCON edition in history.
Under the leadership of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the Confederation of African Football has continued its commitment to growing the women’s game, with increased investment aimed at improving professionalism, competitiveness, and support for national teams across the continent.
Key Tournament Dates & Host Venues
The tournament will take place from July 26 to August 16, 2026, with matches hosted in two of Morocco’s biggest football cities — Rabat and Casablanca.
Opening Day Fixtures — Sunday, July 26, 2026
🇩🇿 Algeria vs Senegal
🕕 18:00 local time
📍 Rabat Olympic Stadium
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Kenya
🕘 21:00 local time
📍 Moulay El Hassan Stadium
Knockout Stage Schedule
- Quarter-Finals: August 8–9, 2026
- Semi-Finals: August 12, 2026
- Third-Place Play-Off: August 15, 2026
- Final: Sunday, August 16, 2026 — Rabat
CAF Announces Record Prize Money for WAFCON 2026
Women’s football in Africa has entered a new era, and WAFCON 2026 will reflect that progress with historic financial rewards.
The tournament champions will walk away with $2 million USD in official prize money — a record amount that highlights CAF’s ambition to elevate women’s football to new heights.
Beyond the winners’ cheque, all 16 participating nations will receive increased financial support to assist with preparation, logistics, and travel costs throughout the competition.
Tournament Groups: Africa’s Best Ready for Battle
For the first time in WAFCON history, 16 nations will compete in the group stage, divided into four groups of four teams. The top sides will fight for a place in the knockout rounds and a chance to become champions of Africa.
Group A — Rabat
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇸🇳 Senegal
🇰🇪 Kenya
Group B — Casablanca
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Group C — Rabat
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇿🇲 Zambia
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇲🇼 Malawi
Group D — Casablanca
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇨🇲 Cameroon
🇲🇱 Mali
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
Group Stage Fixtures to Watch
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Zambia — Group C (August 1)
A heavyweight African showdown awaits as record champions Nigeria take on a dangerous Zambian side led by superstar forward Barbra Banda. The clash could determine who controls Group C.
🇬🇭 Ghana vs Cameroon — Group D (August 2)
A historic rivalry between West and Central Africa’s football giants. Both nations will be aiming to make an early statement and secure a strong position in the group.
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Kenya — Group A (July 26)
The hosts begin their campaign under the spotlight, with Morocco hoping to use home support and momentum to launch a serious title challenge.
Road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
WAFCON 2026 is not only about continental supremacy — it is also Africa’s official qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The stakes are higher than ever:
✅ Automatic Qualification:
The four teams reaching the semi-finals will secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
✅ Intercontinental Play-Off Opportunity:
The four losing quarter-finalists will compete in playoff matches on August 13 in Casablanca, with the winners earning a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament.
A New Chapter for African Women’s Football
From record prize money to an expanded tournament format, WAFCON 2026 represents a defining moment for women’s football on the continent.
With Africa’s traditional giants, rising challengers, and ambitious hosts all chasing history, Morocco is set to deliver a tournament filled with passion, drama, and unforgettable moments.
