According to a recent report, it is asserted that the competition for spots in next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is once again set to take place in Morocco, will be determined in October with the concluding round of qualifying matches.
The reigning champions and ten-time titleholders, the Super Falcons, have been matched against the Benin Republic in a two-legged tie scheduled for October 20-28.
The She-Cheetahs of the Benin Republic triumphed over Sierra Leone with a 5-2 aggregate score in the previous round, securing a 2-1 victory in Togo and a 3-1 win in Monrovia, as both teams were compelled to play away from home due to the absence of CAF-approved venues.
Benin will host the initial leg, followed by the Super Falcons competing in the return match in Nigeria.
In a similar vein, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, who were runners-up in 2014 and 2016, are set to face a significant challenge against Algeria.
The Lady Fennecs advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco after finishing second in their group behind Nigeria.
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They achieved victories over Botswana and managed to draw with both Nigeria and Tunisia before succumbing to Ghana in a penalty shootout. The Lionesses, who did not qualify for the previous edition, will be aiming for redemption following a recent 0-2 friendly loss to Nigeria in Abeokuta.
Senegal, which reached the quarter-finals in Morocco last year, will compete against Côte d’Ivoire in another closely contested match.
The winners of the 11 qualifying matches will join the host nation, Morocco, for the 2026 WAFCON, which is scheduled for March 2026.
The four semi-finalists will automatically secure their places in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while Africa will also gain two additional slots through an intercontinental play-off.
FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams starting from the 2031 edition in Mexico and the USA.
