Morocco Hosts Record — Breaking 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Lagos, Nigeria – The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off in Morocco on Sunday, July 26, marking the third consecutive time the country has hosted the prestigious tournament.
The expanded edition features a record 16 nations, up from the previous 12 teams, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s football in Africa.
The tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is a biennial international football championship that serves as the premier competition for women’s national teams on the continent.
This year’s edition is significant for several reasons, including the increased number of participating teams and the presence of high-profile players like Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda from Zambia, as well as Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade.
The defending champion, Nigeria, will be looking to defend the title it won a year ago, while Ghana, Zambia, and Morocco are among the pre — tournament favorites.
The tournament’s final will be held on August 16, 2026, in Rabat, marking the conclusion of the 22-day event.
Officials commented on the matter.
The new dates, from July 25 to August 16, were announced just 12 days before the planned start date, causing confusion and uncertainty among national teams, players, federations, and sponsors. Despite the late postponement, Morocco has successfully hosted the tournament, with matches being held across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.
The venues include the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
The expanded format of the tournament has been met with excitement, as it provides additional opportunities for teams to compete and showcases the growth of women’s football across Africa. With the inclusion of 16 teams, the competition is expected to be more competitive, offering a platform for emerging talents and established stars to shine.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be closely watching the performances of the defending champions Nigeria, as well as the other strong teams such as Ghana, Zambia, and hosts Morocco.
The presence of high — profile players like Rasheedat Ajibade and Racheal Kundananji adds to the anticipation, as their skills and experience will be crucial in determining the outcome of the tournament.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations continues to play a vital role in promoting women’s football on the continent and providing a platform for African women footballers to showcase their talents on the international stage.
The tournament’s expansion to 16 teams is a testament to the growing interest in and support for women’s football in Africa, and it is expected to further boost the sport’s popularity and development across the continent.
As the tournament unfolds, ImNews will provide comprehensive coverage, bringing readers the latest news, updates, and insights from the ground in Morocco. Stay tuned for more on the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as it unfolds.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
