The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) promises to be an electrifying tournament, with defending champions Nigeria facing a stern test as they aim to extend their record-breaking run. The group stage draw has thrown up some tantalising fixtures, not least a North African derby between hosts Morocco and fierce rivals Algeria.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria, who have won a remarkable 10 WAFCON titles, will take on Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi in Group C. This reunion with Zambia is a repeat of last year’s final, which Nigeria won 2-1 to lift the trophy in Rabat.
Hosts Morocco, who will be aiming to lift the trophy on home soil for the third successive edition, have been drawn against Algeria, Senegal and Kenya in Group A. The clash between the two North African giants is sure to capture the imagination of football fans across the continent.
South Africa, the 2022 champions, will face a tricky group including Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania in Group B. Ghana, meanwhile, have been pitted against Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde in Group D.
The four semi-finalists at the tournament will secure their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete in a play-off for the remaining two spots at an inter-confederation qualifier.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed his desire to increase both the prize money for WAFCON and the salaries of female players across the continent. This comes after Nigeria received $1 million for winning the 2025 edition, while the men’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions will pocket a staggering $10 million.
Ahead of the draw, Motsepe also announced the winners of three women’s awards for 2025, which were not presented by CAF in November. Club of the Year went to AS FAR, Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe was named Coach of the Year, and AS FAR and Morocco winger Sanaa Mssoudy was crowned Interclub Player of the Year.
With the expanded 16-team format, the 2026 WAFCON promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best women’s football talent on the African continent. Fans can look forward to a month of captivating action, culminating in the final on 3 April 2026.