Nigeria, South Africa headline 2026 Women’s AFCON

Twelve countries have secured their places at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 after completing two rounds of qualifiers.

Hosts Morocco, runners-up at the last two editions, will be aiming to turn home advantage into their first-ever continental title after narrowly losing 2–1 to South Africa in the 2022 final.

According to the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), Nigeria, the ten-time champions, remain firm favourites as the Super Falcons chase an 11th crown to extend their dominance in African women’s football.

Ghana, third-place finishers in the last tournament, will return with renewed determination, while South Africa and Zambia are now among the continent’s top contenders are also expected to challenge strongly.

The 2026 edition will mark historic debuts for Cape Verde and Malawi, both qualifying for the finals for the first time. Kenya and Burkina Faso also make a return after years of absence, while Senegal, Algeria, and Tanzania sealed their spots with impressive qualifying campaigns.

With the gap between teams narrowing and quality on the rise, the upcoming tournament promises thrilling competition as Africa’s best sides battle not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Brazil.

The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while two others will advance to the intercontinental play-offs.