Exploring Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Teams, Updates, Schedule
~6 months ago / Oliver Thompson
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is rapidly approaching, set to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3. Nigeria enters the tournament as the defending champions, having secured the title last year by defeating Morocco in the final match, following a semi-final victory over the 2022 champions, Banyana Banyana. The Super Falcons boast an impressive record as Africa's most successful women's football team, with 12 titles under their belt, including triumphs in 1991 and 1995. While Equatorial Guinea has clinched the title twice and South Africa once, Nigeria remains the dominant force in African women's football amidst a growing level of competition.
After some initial uncertainty stemming from a statement by South Africa's Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Peace Mabe, confirming South Africa as potential hosts in case Morocco faced difficulties, it has been clarified that Morocco will indeed host the tournament. This will mark Morocco's third consecutive time hosting the WAFCON. Despite the brief confusion, all signs point to the games proceeding in Morocco as scheduled.
The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The groups are as follows:
Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal
Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Cape Verde
The tournament will be spread across three cities in Morocco, with Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez selected as host cities. Rabat is equipped with two stadiums, the Moulay El Hassan Stadium and Al Medina Stadium. Meanwhile, games in Casablanca will be held at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, and the Fez Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000, will be the largest venue used during WAFCON 2026.
In other WAFCON news leading up to the tournament, there have been significant updates including Des Ellis highlighting Morocco's financial impact on African football and Nigeria's inclusion of Gift Monday in the squad for pre-tournament friendlies. Additionally, Thembi Kgatlana leads the preliminary squad for Banyana Banyana as they prepare for the upcoming competition.