WAFCON 2026: Nigeria Begins Title Defence in Historic Tournament
Defending champions Nigeria will begin their quest for a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when the expanded 16-team TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 kicks off on July 26. The tournament will make history as the first edition to feature 16 teams, up from the previous 12, reflecting CAF's commitment to growing women's football across the continent through increased participation and investment. Hosts Morocco will launch the competition against Kenya in Rabat, while Algeria face Senegal in the day's other Group A fixture. The qualified teams are Morocco, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
Matches will be played across five CAF-approved venues in Rabat and Casablanca. Nigeria heads into the tournament as Africa's most successful women's national team after lifting a record ninth?Actually 10th continental title at the last edition. However, the Super Falcons are expected to face stiff competition from hosts Morocco, defending finalists South Africa, Cameroon, Zambia, Ghana, Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire. CAF also highlighted the rapid growth of women's football on the continent, noting that prize money for the champions has risen from $150,000 to $1 million over the past five years under CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Beyond continental glory, the tournament doubles as Africa's qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four quarter-final winners will qualify automatically, while the losing quarter-finalists will have another opportunity through the FIFA intercontinental play-off. With stronger competition, increased investment and an expanded field, CAF believes WAFCON Morocco 2026 is set to be one of the most competitive editions in the tournament's history.
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