Womens Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Morocco derby and holders Nigeria under pressure in second group games

The group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations enters a pivotal phase this week, with Morocco facing neighbours Algeria and defending champions Nigeria already fighting to rescue their campaign in the second round of fixtures.

Attention now switches to matchday two after the conclusion of the opening round of group games, with coaches and players aware that the results over the next four days are likely to reshape the standings in every section.

The programme begins on Thursday, when hosts Morocco take on Algeria in one of the most eye-catching ties of the group phase, following the day’s opening match between Senegal and Kenya.

Nigeria, beaten in their first outing, return to action on 1 August against a well-organised Zambia side in what is shaping up to be a critical fixture for the reigning champions, who cannot afford another setback.

Organisers expect that the current balance of power in the groups, established after the first round of matches, will be significantly altered as teams complete their second games.

Below is the full schedule for the second round of group fixtures (all times local):

30 July 17:00 – Senegal v Kenya 20:00 – Morocco v Algeria

31 July 17:00 – Afrique du Sud v Cote d’Ivoire 20:00 – Burkina Faso v Tanzanie

1 August 17:00 – Egypte v Malawi 20:00 – Nigeria v Zambie

2 August 17:00 – Ghana v Cameroun 20:00 – Mali v Cap Vert

With qualification scenarios beginning to take shape, this second set of matches is expected to be decisive for sides aiming to secure early progress to the knockout stages or keep their hopes alive going into the final round of group games.