Morocco’s women’s team are set for a historic bid to win a first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil as the country prepares to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a third successive time.
The Lionesses of the Atlas will kick off their campaign in Rabat knowing that expectations have never been higher, with the hosts widely seen as contenders to lift the continental crown in front of their own fans.
They have been drawn in Group A alongside Senegal, Algeria and Kenya, with all their group matches scheduled for Stade Moulay El Hassan in the Moroccan capital.
Group of opportunity for hosts
Morocco will open the tournament against Kenya on Sunday 26 July at 21:00 local time at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
The North Africans will then face regional rivals Algeria on Thursday 30 July at 21:00, in what is already being billed as one of the most anticipated clashes of the group stage.
Their final group fixture comes against Senegal on Monday 3 August, also at 21:00, in a match that could decide top spot in Group A and shape the knockout phase for both sides.
Fixtures – Morocco, Group A (all times local, all at Stade Moulay El Hassan, Rabat):
– Morocco v Kenya – Sunday 26 July, 21:00
– Morocco v Algeria – Thursday 30 July, 21:00
– Senegal v Morocco – Monday 3 August, 21:00
The scheduling of all three matches at the same venue and kick-off time is expected to help build a consistent and intense atmosphere around the host nation’s games, with large home crowds anticipated throughout the group phase.
Senegal’s Diop sets sights beyond quarter-finals
Among Morocco’s group opponents, Senegal have made their ambitions clear ahead of the tournament.
Speaking about her country’s objectives at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, forward Mama Diop said:
“Nous voulons aller au-dela des quarts de finale” – “We want to go beyond the quarter-finals.”
Senegal’s recent progress in the women’s game has raised expectations back home, and the clash with Morocco is likely to be pivotal in determining who advances from the group in a favourable position.
High stakes for the Lionesses of the Atlas
For Morocco, this edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations represents more than just another tournament.
Hosting the competition for the third consecutive time underlines the country’s growing status as a hub for African football, and the Lionesses are under pressure to translate that progress into silverware.
With a favourable-looking group, home advantage in Rabat and rising standards in the women’s game domestically, Morocco’s supporters will expect their team not only to qualify from Group A but to challenge seriously for a maiden continental title.
The countdown to kick-off has begun – and for the Lionesses of the Atlas, the opportunity is clear: make history in front of their own fans, or watch it slip away on home soil.
