Africa's premier women's football competition returns this summer, and history will be made before a ball is even kicked.
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will be the largest edition ever, bringing together 16 national teams for the first time while offering qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Hosted by Morocco for a record third consecutive edition, the tournament promises three weeks of elite football, unforgettable atmospheres, and the next chapter in the remarkable rise of African women's football.
When Does WAFCON 2026 Begin?
The tournament will run from July 25 to August 16, 2026, following a scheduling adjustment by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) earlier this year.
The competition will conclude with the final on August 16, when Africa's new champions will be crowned.
Morocco Makes More History
Morocco will become the first country ever to host three consecutive editions of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, following successful tournaments in 2022 and 2024.
Although speculation earlier this year suggested South Africa could replace Morocco as host, CAF President Patrice Motsepe reaffirmed Morocco's hosting rights, ending any uncertainty.
With world-class infrastructure and extensive experience organizing major international competitions, Morocco has firmly established itself as one of African football's leading destinations.
The Biggest WAFCON Ever
For the first time, the tournament has expanded from 12 to 16 teams.
CAF confirmed the new format after the qualification campaign, allowing four additional nations to qualify based on the FIFA Women's World Rankings among the highest-ranked teams eliminated in the final qualifying round.
The expansion reflects the rapid development of women's football across the continent while giving more nations the opportunity to compete on Africa's biggest stage.
The Road to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup
WAFCON 2026 offers far more than continental glory.
The tournament will determine Africa's representatives at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams will qualify automatically, while two additional nations will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs, giving them another opportunity to secure a place at football's biggest tournament.
Where Will the Tournament Be Played?
Matches will take place across Rabat and Casablanca.
Although Fes was initially included among the proposed host cities, CAF's final fixture schedule allocated all matches to stadiums in Morocco's two largest football hubs.
Supporters can expect modern venues, passionate crowds, and another showcase of Morocco's outstanding football infrastructure.
Nigeria Arrive as Defending Champions
Nigeria returns to Morocco looking to defend the title won in dramatic fashion two years ago.
The Super Falcons produced one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history by recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final.
That victory further strengthened Nigeria's position as the most successful nation in African women's football history.
Players Ready to Light Up the Tournament
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak once again enters the tournament as one of Africa's biggest stars.
After finishing as the top scorer at WAFCON 2024 with five goals, Chebbak went on to become the first Moroccan woman to win the CAF Women's Player of the Year award.
Her leadership, creativity, and eye for goal make her the heartbeat of the Atlas Lionesses as they chase a historic first continental title.
Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria)
Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo returns following a sensational 2024 tournament.
The AFC Toronto attacker finished the previous edition with two goals, six assists, and three Woman of the Match awards, playing a decisive role in Nigeria's title-winning comeback against Morocco.
Her pace, movement, and creativity make her one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking players.
Habibou Ouedraogo (Côte d'Ivoire)
One of Africa's brightest emerging stars, Habibou Ouedraogo arrives after another extraordinary domestic season.
The ASEC Mimosas striker scored 39 league goals and was named Best Player of the 2025 CAF Women's Champions League.
With Côte d'Ivoire returning to WAFCON for the first time since 2014, Ouedraogo will be central to her nation's ambitions.
Can Morocco Complete the Dream?
After reaching the final in 2024, the Atlas Lionesses will once again carry the hopes of an entire nation.
Backed by passionate home support and years of investment in women's football, Morocco enters the tournament believing it can lift the trophy for the first time.
Winning WAFCON on home soil would mark another defining chapter in the country's remarkable football story.
A Tournament That Reflects African Football's New Era
From the expansion to 16 teams to the growing quality across the continent, WAFCON 2026 represents another major milestone for African women's football.
With continental glory, World Cup qualification, and history all at stake, the stage is set for the most competitive and memorable Women's Africa Cup of Nations ever.
The countdown has begun, and once again, Morocco stands ready to welcome Africa's finest for a celebration of football that promises unforgettable moments from the opening whistle to the final.