Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) starts in Morocco with 16 nations competing.
- Nigeria are the defending champions and seek to qualify for the World Cup and defend their title.
- A record $2 million prize is on offer for the winners.
- Other strong contenders include Zambia, Egypt, and South Africa.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to kick off in Morocco, with a record 16 nations competing for the top prize and a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Defending champions Nigeria will be looking to retain their title, and with a strong squad that includes Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini, they are certainly one of the teams to beat.
Nigeria coach Justine Madugu has stated that the team’s first priority is to reach the semi-finals and clinch one of the four automatic World Cup qualification spots. However, with a strong lineup that includes Canada-based Esther Okoronkwo and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, the team is also hungry to defend their title and bring it back to Nigeria.
The competition will be fierce, with other strong contenders including Zambia, Egypt, and South Africa. Zambia boasts a powerful lineup that includes Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, while Egypt is known for their organizational skills on the pitch. South Africa, on the other hand, is looking to make a statement after failing to qualify for the previous tournament.
The tournament will be hosted across three stadiums in the capital, Rabat, and two in the commercial hub, Casablanca, with 34 games scheduled to take place. The competition is expected to be intense, with the Morocco-Algeria fixture on July 30 potentially being a tense affair given the strained political relations between the two north African neighbors.
Why This Matters
The 2026 WAFCON is a significant tournament for African women’s football, providing a platform for the continent’s finest female footballers to showcase their skills and compete for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. With a record $2 million prize on offer, the stakes are high, and the competition is expected to be fierce.