2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco Hosts a Historic Expansion Johannesburg, South Africa – The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has commenced in Morocco, marking a significant milestone as the tournament expands to include 16 national teams from across the continent. This biennial event, the 14th edition of WAFCON, marks the first time the tournament has been held in Morocco.
The expanded format, which includes defending champions Nigeria and hosts Morocco, adds a new chapter to the competition.
The tournament, which was initially scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, eventually commencing on July 26 and concluding on August 16.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) organized the event, which was sponsored by TotalEnergies, reflecting the growing commercial interest in women’s football. Nigeria entered as favorites, having won the previous edition in 2025, but faced stiff competition from Ghana, Zambia, and Morocco. High-profile players such as the Zambian pair of Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, and Malawi’s Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, were among those expected to make an impact at the tournament.
The tournament featured a total of 34 matches, with the group stage taking place from July 26 to August 6.
The quarterfinals, semifinals, and playoffs followed, leading up to the final on August 16, which was played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
In the final match, Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Zambia, winning their 11th WAFCON title.
The success of the tournament was attributed to the high level of competition and the display of skill and determination by the participating teams.
The event also served as a platform for promoting women’s football in Africa and encouraging more girls and women to take up the sport.
The 2026 WAFCON was not only a celebration of women’s football in Africa but also a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women through sports.
As the tournament concluded, it left a lasting impact on the continent, inspiring future generations of footballers and fans alike.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Manasi Pathak
