Morocco out to make history on home soil at 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco will chase a first-ever continental crown in front of their home fans as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in the kingdom, with the Atlas Lionesses headlining a heavyweight Group A.

The country is preparing to stage the women’s tournament for the third consecutive time, in what is being framed as a defining moment for the rapid rise of Moroccan women’s football.

Drawn alongside Senegal, Algeria and Kenya, the host nation will play all of their group matches at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, with each fixture scheduled for a 21:00 local time kick-off.

Host nation eye landmark title

The Atlas Lionesses, finalists at the last edition, see this tournament as a golden chance to claim a maiden African title.

Backed by strong home support and boosted by recent investment in women’s football, Morocco will be under pressure not just to progress from the group, but to mount a serious challenge for the trophy.

The Moroccan side will begin their campaign against Kenya on Sunday 26 July, a match expected to set the tone for their tournament.

They will then face regional rivals Algeria on Thursday 30 July in what is likely to be a fiercely contested North African derby, before rounding off their group stage against Senegal on Monday 3 August – a fixture that could decide the final standings in Group A.

Full Group A schedule for Morocco

All matches at Stade Moulay El Hassan, Rabat (21:00 kick-off):

– Morocco v Kenya: Sunday 26 July – Morocco v Algeria: Thursday 30 July – Senegal v Morocco: Monday 3 August

Senegal set sights on surpassing quarter-finals

Group opponents Senegal are also approaching the competition with high ambitions. Forward Mama Diop has made clear that the West African side are not content with merely matching their previous best performance at the tournament.

CAN feminine Maroc 2026 : Mama Diop (Senegal) « Nous voulons aller au-dela des quarts de finale »

Her declaration underlines the growing competitiveness of the women’s game on the continent, with Senegal aiming to disrupt the plans of more established powers such as Morocco and Algeria.

Fierce competition in Group A

The presence of Algeria adds an extra layer of intrigue, given the historic footballing rivalry with Morocco at both men’s and women’s level. Their clash in Rabat is expected to draw significant attention across North Africa.

Kenya, meanwhile, will be looking to spring a surprise and complicate the hosts’ route to the knockout phase, while also pushing for qualification themselves.

With three group matches compressed into nine days, squad depth, preparation and the ability to handle the pressure of evening kick-offs in a packed Rabat stadium are likely to prove decisive.

As the countdown continues, anticipation is building that Morocco 2026 could mark a turning point for women’s football in the region – and potentially deliver a first continental triumph for the Atlas Lionesses on home soil.