Four New Teams Join 2026 WAFCON Following Tournament Expansion
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand to include four new teams in 2026. This change comes after the qualification process concluded, with Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt being granted spots despite not qualifying directly.
Details of the Expansion
The 2026 WAFCON will see a total of 16 teams participating, a significant increase from previous tournaments. The newly added nations were recognized for their strong performance in the qualifying rounds, specifically as the highest-ranked teams that did not secure direct qualification. CAF’s executive committee made the decision to include these teams in the upcoming tournament.
Returning Teams
- Cameroon
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
- Egypt
Original Participants
These teams will join a competitive lineup that includes Morocco (the host nation), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal.
Tournament Schedule
The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. CAF emphasized that this expansion aligns with its strategic vision to enhance the competitiveness and development of women’s football across Africa.
Context of the 2024 WAFCON
The last WAFCON was held in July 2024 after a postponement, with Nigeria emerging as the champion. This tournament was moved to summer to align with the men’s edition, but a scheduling conflict arose with the qualifications for the Summer Olympics, particularly concerning teams like Zambia and Nigeria.
Future of African Women’s Football
The expansion to 16 teams signifies a growing commitment to enhancing women’s football within Africa. This initiative is expected to foster talent development and increase the competitiveness of the continental championship.
As the tournament date approaches, anticipation builds for a vibrant and competitive WAFCON 2026, showcasing the best of women’s football on the continent.
