WAFCON 2026 opens in Morocco with World Cup places at stake

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin in Morocco on Sunday, July 26, with a larger field and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

The tournament will run through August 16 and feature 16 teams for the first time, up from 12 in the two previous editions. The teams are divided into four groups, with the top two in each advancing to the quarter-finals. Matches will be staged in Rabat and Casablanca and are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time or later.

The competition was originally planned for March 17 to April 3 in Rabat, Casablanca and Fes. The Confederation of African Football postponed it shortly before the scheduled start, citing unforeseen circumstances. Morocco was later confirmed as host for the revised dates, while Fes was removed from the updated match schedule.

Defending champion Nigeria enters as the most successful team in the competition’s history after winning a 10th title in 2025. Host Morocco, runner-up in each of the past two editions, is again among the leading contenders. South Africa, the 2022 champion, and Zambia are also expected to challenge.

Cape Verde and Malawi will make their tournament debuts. Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Egypt were added after qualifying had concluded, based on rankings, to complete the expanded 16-team field.

The four semifinalists will qualify directly for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four losing quarter-finalists will contest playoffs for two places in the inter-confederation qualifying tournament.

Nigeria’s squad includes captain Rasheedat Ajibade, striker Asisat Oshoala and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, although defender Ashleigh Plumptre will miss the tournament with a foot injury. Morocco will be led by Ghizlane Chebbak, the Golden Boot winner at the past two editions, while Malawi’s debut will feature sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji are also among the prominent players expected to take part.