By Prosper Mene
Lagos, Nigeria – April 2026
The curtains are closing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and attention now shifts to Africa as the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON 2026, gets set to kick off in Morocco.
Scheduled for July 25 to August 16, 2026, this year’s edition promises more drama, more teams, and higher stakes as Africa’s best women’s teams battle for continental glory and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
BIGGEST WAFCON YET: 16 TEAMS FOR THE FIRST TIME
For the first time in history, WAFCON will feature 16 nations, up from 12. The expansion means more matches, more stories, and wider representation across the continent.
Host nation Morocco will also make history as the first country to host three consecutive editions of the tournament. Matches will be played in world-class venues across three host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes.
SUPER FALCONS EYE RECORD 11TH TITLE
All eyes will be on Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the defending champions. Africa’s most successful women’s team will be chasing an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.
The nine-time champions have been drawn in Group C and will play all their group games at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca:
Nigeria vs Malawi – July 28, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT
Nigeria vs Zambia – August 1, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT
Nigeria vs Egypt – August 5, 2026 | 9:00 PM WAT
Debutants Malawi, nicknamed the “Scorchers,” are expected to be Group C’s wild card.
Beyond the trophy, WAFCON 2026 doubles as Africa’s qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for Brazil 2027, while two additional teams will advance to the inter-continental play-offs.
THE GROUPS IN FULL
Group A – Rabat: Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal
Group B – Rabat: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C – Casablanca: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D – Fes: Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Cabo Verde
From powerhouse clashes to debutant dreams, WAFCON 2026 is set to be a celebration of athletic excellence, representation, and the rapid growth of women’s football in Africa.
With the Super Falcons leading Africa’s charge, Nigerian fans will be watching closely as the queens of the continent aim to defend their crown and book their ticket to Brazil
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