CAF under fire after reinstating eliminated nations for Women’s AFCON 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing mounting criticism after reinstating four national teams previously eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt have been handed unexpected lifelines, officially due to the tournament’s expansion from 12 to 16 teams — but many see it as a political move to protect football’s traditional powerhouses.

For many observers, the decision undermines the fundamental principle of competition: that elimination should be final.

Yet, in a surprising turn, CAF opted to revive the fortunes of the four nations based not on their performances in the qualifying rounds, but on their positions in the FIFA rankings.

The ruling has provoked outrage among supporters, coaches, and players across the continent.

Teams that battled through the qualifiers now find themselves questioning the value of their hard-earned victories.

“The message is confusing,” one observer noted. “Results are no longer enough — reputation seems to matter more than performance.”

CAF’s official explanation frames the move as a measure to increase visibility and competitiveness in African women’s football.

However, critics argue that the timing and method of implementation erode the credibility of the governing body.

The decision came after the completion of the qualifiers, leaving no room for additional play-offs or transparent selection processes.

For many, this feels less like reform and more like improvisation.

Expanding the tournament could indeed promote inclusivity and development, but doing so retroactively — and selectively — has sparked accusations of favoritism.

Instead of rewarding on-field success, CAF appears to have prioritised marketability and star appeal.

The implications go beyond the immediate controversy.

For nations like Algeria, who earned qualification on merit after eliminating Cameroon with an aggregate 3-1 victory, the reinstatement of their former opponents feels like a step backward for fairness in African sport.

It also sends a discouraging signal to emerging teams striving to prove themselves against the continent’s elite.

African women’s football has made notable progress in recent years, with record attendance figures and improved professional structures in several nations.

Yet, decisions like this risk overshadowing that progress by suggesting that administrative convenience trumps sporting integrity.

As the countdown to the 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco continues, the conversation has shifted from anticipation to accountability.

CAF’s intent to boost visibility may yet succeed — but not necessarily in the way it had hoped.

Instead of celebrating growth, the continent is debating governance, fairness, and the fragile balance between reputation and results.

La CAF décide d’augmenter le nombre des sélections qualifiées pour la phase finale de la CAN féminine 2026, de 12 à 16 équipes. La CAF retient les quatre meilleures sélections selon le classement mondial :
– Cameroun (classé 66e), Côte d’Ivoire (71e), Mali (79e), Egypte (95e) pic.twitter.com/mSi7CFBtiB

— Le Soir d’Algérie (@soir_officiel) November 4, 2025