Wafcon 2026: Morocco to host expanded 16-team tournament from July 26

Published Jul 25, 11:00 AM UTC

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The Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) 2026 is set to begin in Morocco on July 26, running through August 16, featuring 34 matches across Rabat and Casablanca. The tournament was postponed from its original March-April dates due to undisclosed reasons, causing frustration among teams like South Africa and Nigeria who had already begun warm-ups. This edition marks the first with 16 teams, expanded from 12, with four additional sides (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Egypt) added via rankings after qualification. Nigeria, the defending champions and record 10-time winners, are favorites to secure an 11th title, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, striker Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Morocco, runners-up in the past two editions, are strong contenders. Cape Verde and Malawi are tournament debutants, with Cape Verde drawing inspiration from their men's World Cup performance. Egypt and Cape Verde hope to continue the feel-good factor from the men's World Cup.

Source

Football | The GuardianWestern

Original headline: Missing a major football tournament? Fear not, Wafcon 2026 is about to start

Original language: EN-GB

Part of this Story

2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations Postponed, Expanded, Set for Morocco

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage

People and interests

Morocco Nigeria Cape Verde Egypt