Showing a proactive approach, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the expansion of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, set to debut at its 16th edition in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
This decision aligns with CAF’s strategic vision to enhance the competitiveness and development of women’s football across the African continent.
This year, Morocco, a repeat host, will welcome four additional teams into the tournament, significantly broadening the representation of African nations in what has become the flagship competition for women’s football in Africa.
The qualification phase for WAFCON 2026 has already concluded, and CAF’s Executive Committee has approved the selection mechanism to incorporate the new teams based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
The teams that have qualified on this criterion for the finals are Cameroon (66th), Ivory Coast (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th).
They will join the 12 nations that have already qualified, including the host nation, Morocco, as well as Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal.
This expansion not only allows more nations to showcase their skills but also emphasises the growing popularity and development of women’s football in Africa.
As the women’s game continues to evolve, the inclusion of more teams in WAFCON signifies an encouraging uplift in opportunities for women athletes across the continent, paving the way for future stars.
Moreover, WAFCON also serves as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in Brazil.
This dual role as both a competitive tournament and a qualifying event underscores WAFCON’s importance in the broader context of international women’s football.
The excitement for WAFCON 2026 is building. With more teams set to compete, the stage awaits thrilling matches, passionate fans, and the celebration of women’s football on the ‘Mother Continent’.
