Morocco to name Women’s AFCON squad on Friday

Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda is set to announce his final squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, with the Atlas Lionesses preparing to host the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament later this month.

The squad announcement will be made during a press conference scheduled for 11:00 local time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, where Vilda is expected to reveal the players selected to represent Morocco at the competition.

The announcement comes just days before the tournament begins, with the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August.

Expectations are high for the host nation, which will be aiming to take advantage of home support as it seeks a successful campaign in front of its own fans.

Vilda’s selection has been eagerly anticipated as it will provide the clearest indication yet of the group of players he believes can challenge for the continental title.

The Spanish coach has overseen Morocco’s preparations ahead of the tournament, and his final list will determine the squad entrusted with leading the country’s bid for success.

Morocco have been drawn into Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most closely contested groups.

The Atlas Lionesses will begin their campaign against Kenya before taking on Senegal in their second group match.

Their final fixture of the group stage will come against regional rivals Algeria, with all three matches expected to play a decisive role in determining which teams advance to the knockout rounds.

The immediate objective for Morocco will be to progress beyond the group stage, but the hosts will also be hoping to challenge for the title on home soil.

The 2026 edition carries additional significance as it will be the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to feature 16 participating teams, marking another step in the expansion of the competition.

Morocco’s preparations have therefore attracted considerable attention, with supporters now waiting to see which players will be included in the final squad.

Friday’s announcement is expected to answer the remaining selection questions ahead of the opening match and provide the first official look at the squad that will represent the Atlas Lionesses during the tournament.

With the countdown to the competition nearing its end, all attention now turns to Jorge Vilda’s press conference, where Morocco will officially unveil the players tasked with pursuing success at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.