The stage is officially set for another thrilling chapter in African women’s football as the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) returns in 2026 with its 14th edition.
Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament will once again be hosted by Morocco, marking the third consecutive time the North African nation will welcome the continent’s finest women’s national teams. The competition is scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026, bringing together 16 of Africa’s best teams in a festival of football, pride and continental rivalry.
Read Also: Heartbeat Dating Show Episode One Premiere Reactions
The group stage draw took place on 15 January at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, a venue symbolic of Morocco’s growing influence and investment in women’s football. The ceremony confirmed the groups and immediately sparked conversations, debates and early predictions across the continent.
Group Breakdown
Group A features host nation Morocco alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. With home advantage and growing experience, Morocco will be under intense pressure to deliver once again, especially after falling short in the 2024 final. Senegal and Algeria bring physical strength and tactical discipline, while Kenya will be aiming to make a statement on the continental stage.
Group B pairs reigning African giants South Africa with Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Banyana Banyana enter the tournament as one of the favourites, but history has shown that no group at WAFCON is ever straightforward. Côte d’Ivoire’s athleticism, Tanzania’s pace and Burkina Faso’s resilience make this a potentially tricky group.
Read Also: NWFL Matchday 6 Review: Shock Results Perfect Runs, and Statement Wins Across Nigeria
Group C is already being tipped as one of the tournament’s most competitive pools. Defending champions Nigeria will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi. The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, will be determined to protect their crown after defeating Morocco in the last final. However, Zambia’s attacking firepower, Egypt’s resurgence and Malawi’s growing confidence ensure Nigeria will have no easy path.
Group D brings together Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde. This group promises physical battles and tactical chess matches, with Ghana and Cameroon both boasting rich WAFCON histories. Mali remain dangerous outsiders, while Cape Verde will be eager to prove their growing credentials on the continental stage.
Read Also: Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Preview: History, Stats, and What Is at Stake
Super Falcons and the Weight of History
Nigeria arrives in Morocco as defending champions and the most decorated team in WAFCON history. Their victory over Morocco in the previous final not only reaffirmed their dominance but also restored pride after earlier setbacks. With a new generation blending with experienced leaders, the Super Falcons will once again carry the weight of expectations from millions of fans across Africa and the diaspora.
Beyond silverware, WAFCON 2026 represents more than football. It is a celebration of progress, visibility and opportunity for women across the continent. From packed stadiums to global television audiences, the tournament continues to push African women’s football into new territory.
Read Also: AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea to Officiate Nigeria vs Morocco Clash
As the countdown begins, all eyes turn to Morocco, where rivalries will be renewed, new stars will emerge and history will be written once again.
