Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Nigeria chase 11th title as Morocco eye historic home triumph

Nigeria will begin their bid for an extraordinary 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown on Sunday 26 July 2026, as hosts Morocco attempt to turn back‐to‐back home final defeats into a historic first continental title.

The 2026 tournament, staged once again in Morocco, runs until Sunday 16 August and brings together 16 national teams from across the continent. After the men’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December 2025–January 2026, the focus will swiftly shift to the women’s game, with several traditional powers and ambitious newcomers vying for glory.

Nigeria set the standard

No team in African women’s football has dominated like Nigeria. Across 13 editions, the Super Falcons have lifted the trophy 10 times, underlining a sustained superiority unmatched on the continent.

Only twice – in 2008 and 2012 – have Nigeria failed to reach the final, falling in the semi‐finals on both occasions. Their record ensures they arrive in Morocco as the clear team to beat, regardless of the strides being made by emerging rivals.

Their 2024 triumph, when they defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final, reinforced their status as Africa’s benchmark and laid down a marker ahead of the 2026 competition.

Morocco’s third home attempt

Morocco have become a permanent fixture at the sharp end of the women’s game in Africa, yet the ultimate prize continues to elude them.

The Atlas Lionesses have never won WAFCON but have reached the last two finals, both on home soil. They were edged out 3-2 by Nigeria in 2024 and then beaten 2-1 by South Africa in the subsequent edition.

For a third consecutive home tournament, Morocco will again rely on fervent local support and growing investment in the women’s game as they attempt to finally lift the trophy. After two agonising near‐misses, the hosts see 2026 as a defining opportunity.

South Africa remain perennial contenders

South Africa arrive as one of the pillars of African women’s football. Banyana Banyana, crowned champions in 2022, have appeared in four other finals – in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018 – but fell short on each occasion.

In both 2014 and 2016 they reached the semi‐finals, a stage they also reached in 2024, confirming a consistent presence among the continent’s elite. Their challenge in Morocco will be to convert that regular contention into another title, amid rising competition.

Cameroon out to roar again

Cameroon’s recent history reflects both promise and frustration. The Indomitable Lionesses were runners‐up in 2014 and 2016 and semi‐finalists in 2018, but they have been absent from the last four in each of the two most recent editions.

That slide has sharpened the sense of urgency within the Cameroonian camp. With the continent’s leading sides converging in the “Royaume Cherifien” – the Cherifian Kingdom – Cameroon will be determined to reassert themselves and “rugir” (roar) back into contention.

First‐timers and dark horses

Two debutants will add freshness to the 2026 line‐up.

Malawi have qualified for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, securing their place with a decisive victory over Angola in the qualifiers. Their participation marks a significant milestone for the country’s women’s game.

Cape Verde, buoyed by the high‐profile exploits of their men’s “Blue Sharks” at the World Cup, have also booked a maiden appearance. The women’s side clinched qualification with impressive wins over Guinea and Mali.

For Burkina Faso and Kenya, Morocco 2026 represents a second WAFCON appearance. Both sides are being viewed as potential surprise packages, with “creating the shock” seen as a driving message in their respective camps.

Full line‐up

The 16 teams qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are:

– Morocco (hosts) – Algeria – Senegal – Kenya – South Africa – Cote d’Ivoire – Burkina Faso – Tanzania – Zambia – Nigeria – Egypt – Malawi – Ghana – Cameroon – Mali – Cape Verde

As the final pre‐tournament tests conclude – described locally as “un dernier test reussi pour le Maroc” (a final successful test for Morocco) – attention now turns to whether Nigeria’s long‐standing supremacy can withstand the challenge of a resurgent host nation and a field deeper and more competitive than ever.