Everything you need to know about the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, including the Super Falcons’ group, match schedule, prize money and World Cup qualification.
The countdown is over as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) prepares to get underway in Morocco, bringing together the continent’s top 16 women’s national teams in a tournament that promises high-quality football and a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Originally scheduled for March, the competition was postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to unforeseen circumstances. The revised tournament now runs from July 26 to August 16, with Morocco hosting the continental showpiece for the third consecutive edition.
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the championship represents another opportunity to reinforce their dominance in African women’s football. The defending champions are targeting an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title, while several other nations, including hosts Morocco, South Africa, Ghana and Zambia, will also be aiming for continental success.
WAFCON 2026 Groups
The expanded tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the quarter-finals.
Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
Nigeria headline Group C alongside a dangerous Zambian side, former champions Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.
Super Falcons Begin Title Defence Against Malawi
The Super Falcons will open their campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia in what could prove to be the decisive fixture in Group C. Nigeria conclude the group stage against Egypt as they seek qualification for the knockout rounds.
The nine-time African champions remain among the favourites after lifting the trophy in the previous edition and boast one of the strongest squads on the continent.
WAFCON 2026 Also Serves as World Cup Qualifier
Beyond the race for continental honours, the tournament carries additional significance.
The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the four losing quarter-finalists will compete for two places in the intercontinental qualification tournament.
Venues for WAFCON 2026
This year’s tournament will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.
The confirmed venues are:
- Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat
- Olympic Stadium, Rabat
- Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
- Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
- Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca
The venue for the final is expected to be confirmed before the championship concludes.
Increased Prize Money
CAF has significantly increased the financial rewards for the competition.
The winners of WAFCON 2026 will receive $2 million, double the amount awarded to the previous champions. The runners-up will earn $750,000, while every participating nation is guaranteed $150,000.
Teams Expected to Challenge for the Trophy
Nigeria enter the competition as defending champions and Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team.
Hosts Morocco will hope home support helps them finally secure a first continental title after finishing runners-up in the last two editions. South Africa, champions in 2022, also arrive with genuine ambitions, while Ghana and Zambia are widely regarded as strong contenders capable of making deep runs in the tournament.
Key Dates
The group stage runs from July 26 to August 6.
Quarter-final matches are scheduled for August 8 and 9, while the semi-finals will be played on August 12.
The third-place playoff takes place on August 15, with the WAFCON 2026 final scheduled for August 16.
As Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament begins, attention will once again focus on whether the Super Falcons can successfully defend their crown and continue their remarkable legacy on the continent while securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.