Wafcon 2026: Everything you need to know about the Women's Africa Cup
Short overview
The delayed 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on July 26 in Morocco, with 16 teams competing. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with semi-finalists securing spots in Brazil.
The delayed 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is set to begin on Sunday, July 26, with Morocco hosting the tournament for the third consecutive time. Originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) postponed the event just 12 days before its planned start, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The tournament now runs from July 26 to August 16, featuring 34 matches across five venues in Rabat and Casablanca.
Tournament format and World Cup qualification
This year’s Wafcon has expanded to 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. The top two from each group advance to the quarter-finals. Crucially, the tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All four semi-finalists will secure automatic berths, while the four losing quarter-finalists will compete in a playoff for two additional spots at an intercontinental qualifier.
Group stage breakdown
Group A: Hosts Morocco face a North African derby against Algeria, along with Senegal and Kenya, who return after a 10-year absence.
Group B: South Africa, the 2022 champions, are grouped with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
Group C: Holders Nigeria, seeking a record-extending 11th title, are placed alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi.
Group D: Ghana meets Cameroon, Mali, and first-timers Cape Verde.
Key fixtures and schedule
The opening match on July 26 features Algeria against Senegal in Rabat (17:00 GMT). Kick-off times throughout the group stage and knockout rounds are set at 17:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT, except for the final. Quarter-finals are scheduled for August 8 and 9, semi-finals on August 12, and the final on August 16 at 19:00 GMT (20:00 BST).
Venues
Matches will be played at five stadiums across two cities: Rabat (Moulay Hassan Stadium, Olympic Stadium, Al Medina Stadium, Larbi Zaouli Stadium) and Casablanca (Moulay Rachid Stadium). The final venue is yet to be confirmed but will be either the Moulay Hassan Stadium or the larger Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which hosted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Morocco’s ongoing stadium upgrades are part of its preparations to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
Favorites and history
Only Nigeria (10 titles) and South Africa (one title) have previously won the Wafcon trophy. Nigeria are the defending champions, having beaten Morocco in the 2024 final. The tournament’s expansion and World Cup qualifying stakes add extra significance to this edition.
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