Morocco will host a historic edition of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the tournament will feature 16 teams for the first time.
The competition, which Morocco will stage for a third consecutive edition, has been rescheduled to run from 26 July to 16 August 2026 after originally being planned for 17 March to 3 April.
CAF announced the postponement just 12 days before the initial kick-off, forcing several participating nations to alter their preparations after already entering pre-tournament camps.
The governing body said the decision followed consultations with partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful staging of the competition but did not provide a detailed explanation for the late change.
Expanded tournament brings new opportunities
The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for African women’s football, with the tournament expanding from 12 to 16 teams.
As a result, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt were reinstated after previously failing to qualify, earning places based on their FIFA Women’s World Ranking.
There will also be debut appearances for Cape Verde and Malawi, highlighting the continued growth of the women’s game across the continent.
World Cup qualification at stake
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while two additional African nations will have another opportunity to reach the World Cup through the intercontinental play-offs.
The increased qualification spots are expected to make every stage of the tournament even more competitive.
Rabat and Casablanca to host matches
The competition will be played across six stadiums, with fixtures concentrated around Rabat and Casablanca to improve logistics and broadcasting operations.
Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat is scheduled to host the opening match and is among the leading candidates to stage the final.
CAF has already begun promoting the host nation’s group, with Group A set to be based in Rabat.
Morocco continues to lead women’s football growth
Hosting a third successive Women’s AFCON reinforces Morocco’s growing role as a leading hub for women’s football in Africa.
The expanded format, increased World Cup qualification opportunities and improved tournament structure are expected to deliver the biggest Women’s AFCON in history as the continent’s top teams battle for continental glory and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
