Infantino hails Morocco’s successful WAFCON as Africa’s women’s game grows

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised Morocco for staging a successful 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, describing the tournament as a major achievement for the growth and visibility of women’s football in Africa.

Infantino congratulated Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the participating nations and supporters for their contribution to what he described as a standout edition of the continental competition.

He also expressed his appreciation to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa and everyone involved in organising the tournament.

Morocco stages expanded WAFCON

The 2026 tournament was the first edition of the WAFCON to feature 16 teams, further strengthening Morocco’s position as a host of major football competitions.

The tournament also carried added significance as it served as Africa’s qualification competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Morocco’s successful organisation adds to the country’s growing reputation for staging major sporting events, while the tournament provided an important platform for women’s football across the continent.

Cameroon make history in Rabat

The tournament ended with Cameroon winning their first WAFCON title after a 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final in Rabat.

Infantino congratulated the Indomitable Lionesses on their historic success, saying their triumph had brought “great joy to a football-loving nation.”

Cameroon’s victory marked a breakthrough for a side that had previously come close to winning the continental title but had never lifted the trophy.

Malawi’s remarkable run

Malawi were one of the biggest stories of the tournament, reaching the final in their first WAFCON appearance.

The Scorchers defied their pre-tournament world ranking of 151st to go all the way to the final, recording victories over African heavyweights Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria during their impressive campaign.

Infantino praised the Malawian players for the impact of their run, telling them: “You have a lot to be proud of.”

Their performance provided another example of the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Africa.

Four African nations qualify for World Cup

The tournament also settled Africa’s qualification picture for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Morocco, Cameroon, Malawi and Algeria secured direct qualification for the finals, while South Africa and Ghana progressed to the preliminary stage of the World Cup play-off pathway.

For Morocco, the successful tournament provided another opportunity to demonstrate its ability to organise major international competitions while placing women’s football at the centre of the country’s sporting ambitions.

Infantino’s recognition further underlined the significance of Morocco’s hosting effort and the wider progress of women’s football on the African continent.