New Faces, Old Rivalries — WAFCON 2026 Promises a Battle of Eras

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.

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.

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