The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken another bold step to strengthen women’s football on the continent.
Under the leadership of President Patrice Motsepe, the body confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the 2026 edition.
Originally, the upcoming tournament in Morocco was scheduled to feature 12 sides, with qualifiers already in their final round. However, the new format means that an extra qualifying stage may be introduced, with 11 nations expected to fight for the remaining four slots.
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Since its inception in 1998, WAFCON has steadily grown in stature. The tournament began with eight teams, a format that remained unchanged until 2018 in Ghana. The latest expansion is therefore seen as a landmark step. It is also seen as a step by CAF to match the rapid growth of the women’s game.
Increased investment and push for equality
Beyond expansion, CAF has also increased its financial commitment to women’s football. The last edition in Morocco saw prize money raised by 45 percent to $3.45 million. Tournament winners Nigeria, who claimed their record-extending 10th title, received $1 million in prize money.
Speaking on the progress, Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the strides being made. He emphasised that his mission is to ensure both men and women receive fair pay and have opportunities to build sustainable careers in football. According to him, women’s football remains a central focus, and CAF will continue to support its growth across Africa.
Tags: CAF, Patrice Motsepe, WAFCON expansion, Super Falcons.
