The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed a major expansion for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), increasing the number of participating teams from 12 to 16 beginning with the 2026 edition. The expanded tournament will be hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, marking a significant step in CAF’s long-term strategy to grow and strengthen women’s football across the continent.
CAF explained that the move is intended to deepen competitiveness, widen participation, and create more opportunities for national teams to gain high-level continental experience. The governing body noted that with more teams competing, emerging football nations will benefit from increased exposure and development platforms that could help elevate African women’s football globally.
Because qualification for the 2026 tournament had already concluded prior to the expansion decision, CAF approved a special selection procedure to determine the four additional participants. These were selected from teams eliminated in the final qualifying round, based on current FIFA Women’s World Rankings. As a result, Cameroon (ranked 66th), Côte d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th) have secured places in the expanded tournament field.
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They join the 12 teams that had already earned qualification: hosts Morocco, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal.
Beyond increasing participation, the 2026 WAFCON carries added significance as it will serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. With more nations competing and greater visibility expected, analysts believe the new format could accelerate talent development, enhance competition, and provide fresh storylines in African women’s football.
CAF’s decision aligns with global trends, as women’s football continues to experience rising viewership, investment, and grassroots interest. The 2026 edition is therefore anticipated to be the most competitive and widely watched WAFCON yet, bringing new energy to the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament.
