2026 WAFCON kicks off in Morocco as 12 teams battle for African crown

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has officially begun in Morocco, with 12 of Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental glory over the next three weeks.

The tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16, will conclude with the final in Rabat, where the continent’s next champions will be crowned.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while defending champions Nigeria begin their quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title in Group C.

The competition features 12 teams divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, as well as the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals.

Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania

Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most successful team in the history of the tournament, enter the competition as favourites after winning the previous edition. The nine-time African champions will open their Group C campaign against Malawi on July 28 before taking on Zambia and Egypt.

Tournament organisers say the championship will also serve as a platform to showcase the continued growth of women’s football across Africa, with several teams aiming to challenge Nigeria’s long-standing dominance.

The group stage will be played from July 26 to August 6, followed by the quarter-finals on August 8 and 9. The semi-finals are scheduled for August 12, with the third-place playoff taking place on August 13. The final will be held in Rabat on August 16.

With several emerging teams strengthening their squads in recent years, this year’s WAFCON is expected to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament.