The complete guide to WAFCON 2026 as Africa’s best battle for continental glory

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) promises to be the biggest edition in the competition’s history, with 16 teams set to compete for continental glory in Morocco.

The tournament, which runs from July 25 to August 16, will not only crown the champions of Africa but also determine the continent’s representatives at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

With an expanded field, increased competition and some of Africa’s biggest stars on show, WAFCON 2026 is expected to mark another milestone in the rapid growth of women’s football across the continent.

Morocco hosts for a third successive time

Morocco will make history by becoming the first country to host three consecutive editions of WAFCON, having previously staged the tournament in 2022 and 2024.

The North African nation retained the hosting rights despite speculation earlier this year that South Africa could replace them. CAF President Patrice Motsepe later confirmed Morocco as the official host.

The country has established itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations after hosting major continental competitions in recent years, supported by modern stadiums and world-class football infrastructure.

Matches at WAFCON 2026 will be played in Rabat and Casablanca, with CAF’s final fixture schedule allocating games to venues in the two cities.

Historic expansion to 16 teams

For the first time, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will feature 16 national teams, expanding from the previous 12-team format.

CAF approved the increase after the qualification campaign had concluded, awarding the additional places to the highest-ranked teams eliminated in the final qualifying round based on the FIFA Women’s World Ranking.

The expansion reflects the continued development of women’s football across Africa while providing more nations with the opportunity to compete on the continent’s biggest stage.

World Cup places up for grabs

The stakes extend beyond lifting the WAFCON trophy.

The tournament will serve as Africa’s qualification competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification for Brazil.

Two additional teams will earn places in the inter-confederation play-offs, offering another opportunity to reach the global finals.

Nigeria begin title defence

Nigeria return as defending champions after producing one of the most memorable comebacks in WAFCON history.

The Super Falcons recovered from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final in Rabat, further extending their record as the most successful nation in the history of African women’s football.

They will once again arrive among the favourites as they seek to retain their continental crown.

Players to watch

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)

Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak heads into another WAFCON as one of the tournament’s standout players.

The attacking midfielder claimed the Golden Boot at the 2024 tournament with five goals and led the Atlas Lionesses to the final before being crowned CAF Women’s African Player of the Year in 2025—the first Moroccan woman to receive the award.

Her creativity, leadership and goals will once again be crucial as Morocco chase a first WAFCON title on home soil.

Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)

Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo returns after playing a decisive role in the Super Falcons’ triumph in 2024.

The AFC Toronto attacker finished the previous tournament with two goals, six assists and three Woman of the Match awards, including converting the penalty that sparked Nigeria’s comeback victory over Morocco in the final.

Her pace, versatility and attacking quality make her one of the competition’s biggest threats.

Habibou Ouedraogo (Côte d’Ivoire)

Côte d’Ivoire striker Habibou Ouedraogo arrives as one of Africa’s most exciting emerging talents.

The ASEC Mimosas forward was named Best Player of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League after another prolific campaign, having scored 39 league goals following a 33-goal season the previous year.

She will spearhead Côte d’Ivoire’s return to WAFCON after a 12-year absence.

Can Morocco make history?

After finishing runners-up in 2024, Morocco will once again carry the hopes of the home crowd.

Backed by sustained investment in women’s football and a strong player development system, the Atlas Lionesses have established themselves among Africa’s leading teams.

Hosting the tournament again offers another opportunity to secure the country’s first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

A landmark moment for African women’s football

WAFCON 2026 represents another major step forward for the women’s game on the continent.

The expanded tournament, greater competitiveness, increasing investment from national federations and the added incentive of World Cup qualification all reflect the rapid progress of African women’s football.

With history, continental supremacy and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake, the tournament is set to deliver the most competitive and significant edition of WAFCON yet.