Women's Africa Cup of Nations Set for Morocco
The much-anticipated **Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)** is gearing up to take place in Morocco from **July 26 to August 16, 2026**, marking its 14th edition. Initially slated for **March 17 to April 3, 2026**, the tournament faced a postponement due to "unforeseen circumstances," as stated by the **Confederation of African Football (CAF)**. This year, Morocco will proudly host the competition for the third consecutive time, having successfully organized the 2022 and 2025 editions of Africa's premier women's football tournament.
This upcoming 2026 edition is particularly notable, as it will feature an expanded lineup of **16 teams**, a significant increase from the previous 12 teams. The matches will be held across five venues in **Rabat**, with three locations, and **Casablanca**, with two venues, while **Fez**—originally designated to host Group C—has been set aside as Morocco prepares to co-host the men's FIFA World Cup in 2030.
Beyond the quest for the continental title, this year's WAFCON holds additional importance. The four semi-finalist teams will earn automatic qualification for the **FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil 2027**, making each match in the knockout stages vital for teams aiming to participate in this prestigious global event. Furthermore, two additional teams will have the opportunity to secure their places through intercontinental play-offs. This means that this edition of WAFCON will introduce an unprecedented classification stage, where the four losing quarter-finalists will compete for the chance to represent Africa in the global qualifying tournament.
Since the tournament's inception in 1998, only three nations have claimed the WAFCON trophy. Nigeria stands as the most successful team, boasting a remarkable record of **10 titles**, while Equatorial Guinea (2008, 2012) and South Africa (2022) are the only other nations to have lifted the trophy.
Key Teams and Players to Watch
The record 10-time champions, **Nigeria**, are once again the favorites heading into this tournament. The **Super Falcons** demonstrated their resilience by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the host nation Morocco 3-2 in the 2025 final, further solidifying their status as Africa's leading women's football team. Continuity is a key asset for Nigeria, as 20 members from their 2025 title-winning squad are returning. Notable players such as captain [Rasheedat Ajibade](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/rasheedat-ajibade), six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year **Asisat Oshoala**, [Michelle Alozie](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/michelle-alozie), and [Esther Okoronkwo](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/esther-okoronkwo) are expected to lead the charge for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON crown.
As hosts, **Morocco** is poised to be a formidable contender once again, having reached the finals in both of the previous editions held on their home turf. Although the Atlas Lionesses have yet to claim the trophy, they are determined to go further this time, with captain [Ghizlane Chebbak](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-women-world-cup-2023-ghizlane-chebbak-father-footsteps), who was the tournament's top scorer in 2025 with five goals, at the forefront of their attack.
2022 champions **South Africa** are also expected to mount a serious challenge, despite finishing fourth in 2025. Head coach **Desiree Ellis** has assembled a squad rich in experience, featuring seasoned Olympians such as [Thembi Kgatlana](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/thembi-kgatlana), [Linda Motlhalo](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/linda-motlhalo), [Refiloe Jane](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/refiloe-jane), [Lebohang Ramalepe](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/lebohang-ramalepe), [Bambanani Mbane](https://www.olympics.com/zh/athletes/bambanani-mbane), and [Andile Dlamini](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/andile-dlamini).
**Zambia** remains one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Africa, regardless of their unexpected 5-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria in 2025. With talents like [Barbra Banda](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/babra-banda) and [Rachel Kundananji](https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/racheal-kundananji) leading the front line, the Copper Queens are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.
After achieving their best WAFCON finish since 2016 by securing third place in 2025, **Ghana** is optimistic about their chances of clinching their first continental title. Key players including captain **Portia Boakye**, midfielder **Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah**, and forward **Doris Boaduwaa** will be instrumental in driving the Black Queens’ aspirations.
Additionally, **Cabo Verde** and **Malawi** are set to make their WAFCON debuts, highlighting the ongoing growth of women’s football across the continent. Cameroon is also making a return to the competition after missing the last edition. Originally eliminated in the final qualifying round by Algeria, the **Atlas Lionesses** were granted another chance when CAF expanded the tournament to 16 teams due to their favorable FIFA ranking, and they will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity in Morocco.
As reported by olympics.com.
