Here are key details such as the new format, host country, as well as start date football fans should know about WAFCON scheduled for 2026.
Following the huge success of WAFCON 2024, Women’s football in Africa has dominated the headlines once again and here are key details, some of which include the start date, host country, and the new format fans should know ahead of the tournament.
When is the start date of WAFCON 2026?
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will officially take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The tournament promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with Africa’s top women’s national teams battling for continental glory. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched their 10th title in the previous edition, will enter as defending champions and favourites to retain their crown.
Which country is hosting WAFCON 2026?
Morocco has once again been confirmed as the host nation for the 2026 WAFCON. The North African country successfully hosted the last edition, which ended dramatically with Nigeria defeating the hosts 3–2 in the final. Morocco’s impressive facilities and growing investment in women’s football have earned it another opportunity to stage the continent’s premier women’s competition.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has continued to invest heavily in developing the women’s game, with the prize fund for the most recent Moroccan edition increased by 45% to $3.45 million. Champions Nigeria received $1 million, highlighting CAF’s commitment to ensuring better rewards and recognition for female athletes.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe commended the progress being made, noting:
“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football. Making sure men and women are paid well and can make a career out of football is key. Women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focusing on a lot.”
What are the details of the new WAFCON format?
The 2026 WAFCON will introduce an expanded 16-team format, up from the 12-team structure used in 2022. This marks a significant step in the evolution of the tournament, reflecting the rapid growth and competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.
The expansion will see more nations get a chance to compete at the highest level, but it will also increase the difficulty for established teams like Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. With more matches and a broader pool of talent, the new format is expected to produce tighter contests and new rivalries.
To accommodate the expansion, CAF is considering an additional round of qualifiers, with 11 teams competing for the remaining four slots. More details are expected following CAF’s executive committee meeting in Kinshasa.
Historically, WAFCON began as an eight-team tournament in 1998 and maintained that setup until 2018, before expanding to 12 teams in 2022. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since then, CAF has intensified its commitment to growing the women’s game across the continent.
