The upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 has taken an unexpected twist — and a welcome one for some. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, opening the door for four sides that had already kissed their qualification dreams goodbye.

Initially, only 12 teams were meant to feature at next year’s finals scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco. But after a meeting of CAF’s Executive Committee, the women’s showpiece will now mirror the growing inclusiveness of African football, with four more nations handed a dramatic late lifeline.

That development means Cameroon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali — all beaten in the final round of qualifiers — will now join the party as the best four losers, selected based on their FIFA rankings.

The decision effectively allows Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, both regional powerhouses who had fallen at the last hurdle, to “sneak in” through the back door — though few would argue they don’t deserve a place at Africa’s biggest women’s football event.

They join an already strong lineup that includes holders Nigeria, former champions South Africa and Algeria, as well as Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Morocco qualify automatically as hosts.

For Morocco, this will be their third time hosting the Women’s Cup of Nations, but this edition carries extra significance. The 2026 WAFCON doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four finishers earning automatic tickets.

Interestingly, Morocco will also host the men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just months earlier — from December 22, 2025, to January 18, 2026 — featuring 24 teams.

With the expanded format, WAFCON 2026 promises not only more matches and more excitement, but also a broader stage for African women’s football to shine — even for those who, by fortune and ranking, have found a second chance.

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Twelve nations have officially booked their tickets to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, setting the stage for another captivating edition of the continent’s premier women’s football tournament.

Ten-time champions Nigeria headline the list of qualified teams and remain the undisputed benchmark in African women’s football.

With their eyes firmly set on record-extending 11th continental crown, the Super Falcons will enter Morocco 2026 as strong favourites to extend their dominance and reaffirm their legacy.

Their mix of experience and emerging stars has continued to deliver consistency, making Nigeria the team every rival measures themselves against.

Morocco Aim to Turn Passion into Glory

As hosts, Morocco will be driven by their passionate home supporters, hoping to go one better after falling narrowly to South Africa (1–2) in the 2022 final and 2-3 to Nigeria earlier this year. The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up at the last two editions, have become one of the continent’s most technically polished sides and will seek to translate home advantage into a maiden title.

Familiar Faces and Rising Challengers

Ghana, who finished third at the previous tournament, return with renewed ambition, while Zambia and South Africa—both now permanent fixtures among Africa’s elite—complete a formidable group of favourites. In a competition where margins are often slim, every detail could decide the difference between triumph and heartbreak.

Yet, Morocco 2026 will not just be about the established powers. Cape Verde and Malawi will both make historic first appearances, marking a significant milestone in the development of women’s football within their nations.

Meanwhile, Kenya and Burkina Faso, returning to the finals after lengthy absences, will aim to prove their progress and secure their footing among the continent’s best.

Emerging Sides Extend Their Momentum

Several rising teams also continued their upward trajectory during the qualifiers. Senegal, Algeria, and Tanzania advanced in convincing fashion, underlining the growing parity and quality across African women’s football.

The widening competitive field reflects a sport in transformation—one where traditional hierarchies are being steadily challenged and the talent pool continues to deepen.

Road to Brazil 2027

Beyond continental bragging rights, the 2026 WAFCON carries significant implications for global football. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil, while two additional nations will have a second chance throughthe intercontinental play-offs.

With World Cup tickets and continental glory on the line, every match, every point, and every goal will carry weight as the continent’s best converge on Morocco next year.

Qualified Nations for Morocco 2026 WAFCON:
Morocco (hosts), Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Algeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Malawi

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Champions Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Bénin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in an aggregate 3-1 win for the 10-time winners.

The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as they approached the game with vigour, passion and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.

However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, and the Amazons’ rearguard had to spiritedly clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8^th minute.

Five minutes later, it was no surprise that they got on the scoresheet, when defender Ashley Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.

In the 23^rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34^th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header was a little above the sticks from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to side-net from a free-kick with four minutes left in the first period.

The Amazons began to pour forward in the 56^th minute, when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.

The game turned into a real contest on the hour, when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.

Nigeria had opportunities to increase the tally, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77^th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90^th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.

Qualification means Nigeria have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11^th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   

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