Check out full groups of 2026 WAFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the full group-stage draw for the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with Ghana’s Black Queens set to face Cameroon, Mali and tournament debutants Cape Verde in Group D.

The expanded 16-team competition, which will be hosted by Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026, marks the biggest edition of the continental championship in its history.

The tournament will be played across Rabat and Casablanca, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals.

Ghana’s Group D is expected to be one of the most competitive pools, featuring experienced campaigners Cameroon and Mali, alongside Cape Verde, who will be making their maiden appearance at the continental finals.

Defending champions Nigeria headline Group C, where they will take on Zambia, Egypt and fellow debutants Malawi.

Hosts Morocco have been drawn in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while reigning African powerhouses South Africa will battle Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania in Group B.

The full groups are:

Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde

The 2026 edition represents a significant milestone for women’s football in Africa, with CAF increasing the number of participating nations from 12 to 16.

The expanded format is expected to provide more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest level while increasing the tournament’s competitiveness.

Beyond continental glory, the tournament also carries added significance as teams compete for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while additional African representatives will be determined through play-off matches.

For Ghana, the Black Queens will be aiming to make a deep run in Morocco after securing their place at the finals, with hopes of returning to the summit of African women’s football.

Drawn alongside three formidable opponents, the Black Queens will need strong performances throughout the group stage to secure one of the two automatic qualification spots for the knockout rounds.

The tournament winners of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will receive a record USD 2 million in prize money.