The Confederation of African Football has expanded the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams for the 2026 edition in Morocco. The decision reshapes African women’s football.
CAF confirmed that Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt have been added through rankings after their qualifying exits. The inclusion completes the Morocco 2026 lineup.
The 2026 tournament, scheduled from March 17 to April 3, will feature Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Algeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, Tunisia, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal, and host Morocco.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that the expansion is part of a broader plan to promote gender equality in sports. His administration has pushed new investments into women’s football.
Many fans questioned the ranking-based selection. Some argue that playoffs would better determine qualification. The debate centers on fairness versus long-term development.
Nigeria remains the continent’s most successful women’s team, holding 10 WAFCON titles since 1991. South Africa ended their dominance by winning the 2022 edition in Morocco.
Equatorial Guinea has claimed two trophies, while Cameroon and Ghana have reached multiple finals. Host Morocco now seeks a historic home triumph.
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CAF said the decision aligns with its strategy to strengthen competition and player exposure. Expansion also widens access to FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification through additional play-off routes.
Recent advancements
Prize money for WAFCON winners rose by 45 percent in 2024, with champions earning $1 million. CAF hopes higher rewards will attract greater investment and visibility.
Attendance has also climbed. Morocco’s 2022 semi-final drew a record 45,562 fans, underlining the tournament’s growing popularity across the continent.
The organization has also launched under-17 and under-20 competitions to build a talent pipeline. Officials believe this structure will anchor women’s football growth in Africa.
The decision to expand WAFCON signals a defining moment. More nations now have the chance to compete, and African women’s football steps firmly into a new era.
