CAF confirms final squads for WAFCON 2026 as 413 players prepare for record tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the final squads for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026, with the 16 participating nations naming a combined 413 players for Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

The confirmed squad lists reflect the rapid development of women’s football across the continent, with established stars set to share the stage with a new generation of emerging talents eager to make their mark.

This year’s tournament also showcases a remarkable blend of experience and youth, with a 23-year age difference separating the oldest and youngest players selected.

Mali midfielder Fatoumata Diarra is the oldest player at the competition. Born on April 15, 1986, the Tausi FC player will bring a wealth of experience to the Malian squad as they compete in Morocco.

Cameroon forward Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné is set to create history by making her eighth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the player with the most tournament appearances in the history of the competition.

At the other end of the age spectrum is Kenya defender Elizabeth Ochaka, the youngest player named for Morocco 2026. Born on June 9, 2009, the Kenya Police Bullets FC player is among a group of promising youngsters expected to represent the future of African women’s football.

Other teenage prospects include Burkina Faso’s Deborah Guira, Côte d’Ivoire’s N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo and Mali’s Kadiatou Diarra, all born in 2008, further highlighting the growing investment in youth development across the continent.

Squads below:

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Group Stage Draw

The 16 teams have been divided into four groups, with hosts Morocco placed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.

Group A (Rabat)

• Morocco (Hosts)
• Algeria
• Senegal
• Kenya

Group B (Casablanca)

• South Africa
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Burkina Faso
• Tanzania

Group C (Rabat)

• Nigeria (Holders)
• Zambia
• Egypt
• Malawi (Debutants)

Group D (Casablanca)

• Ghana
• Cameroon
• Mali
• Cape Verde (Debutants)

Tournament Dates and Key Fixtures

The tournament will kick off on July 26 with Algeria facing Senegal before hosts Morocco take on Kenya following the opening ceremony.

The group stage will run from July 26 to August 6, with the quarter-finals scheduled for August 8 and 9. The semi-finals will take place on August 12, followed by the World Cup qualification playoffs on August 13.

The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, August 16 in Rabat.

The 2026 edition will feature a record prize fund of $5.8 million, with the champions set to receive a historic $2 million prize.

The expanded 16-team tournament is expected to further underline the continued rise of women’s football in Africa while providing a platform for established stars and emerging talents to compete on the continental stage.