WAFCON 2026 Begins in Morocco as Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and Zambia Eye Continental Glory
WAFCON 2026 has kicked off in Morocco with a record 16 teams competing for Africa's biggest women's football prize. Here are the title contenders and the players expected to shape the tournament.
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is underway in Morocco, with Africa's best women's national teams battling for continental glory in the tournament's biggest edition yet.
Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the competition runs from July 26 to August 16 and is the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, up from the previous 12-team format. Morocco is hosting the tournament for a third consecutive edition, with matches taking place in Rabat and Casablanca.
The tournament also serves as Africa's qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete for places in the intercontinental play-offs. CAF has also increased the winners' prize to a record $2 million, with the overall prize fund rising to $5.8 million.
Nigeria Lead the Race for the Trophy
Defending champions Nigeria's Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, but they are expected to face stiff competition from hosts Morocco, defending finalists South Africa, and an ambitious Zambia side led by some of the continent's biggest stars. Tournament debutants Malawi and Cape Verde will also be looking to make history in their first appearance at the competition.
Golden Boot Favourite: Barbra Banda
Few players arrive in Morocco with as much expectation as Barbra Banda.
The Zambia captain and Orlando Pride striker has become one of the world's most feared forwards thanks to her pace, strength and clinical finishing. If Zambia are to win a maiden continental title, Banda is expected to lead the charge and is widely tipped as one of the favourites to finish as the tournament's top scorer.
Malawi's Chawinga Sisters Bring Firepower
Tournament newcomers Malawi boast one of WAFCON's most exciting attacking partnerships.
Temwa Chawinga, who has starred for Kansas City Current in the NWSL, enters the tournament after another prolific season, while her sister Tabitha Chawinga brings valuable experience from European football following another impressive campaign with Lyon.
Together, the sisters will carry Malawi's hopes of producing one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
Super Falcons Banking on Nnadozie and Abiodun
Nigeria's title defence will depend as much on its defensive discipline as its attacking quality.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently joined Brighton & Hove Albion, remains one of Africa's most accomplished shot-stoppers after winning multiple CAF Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Her leadership and composure have been central to the Super Falcons' recent success.
In midfield, Deborah Abiodun is expected to play a pivotal role. The Washington Spirit midfielder is known for her relentless work rate, ball-winning ability and energy, providing the balance Nigeria need between defence and attack.
South Africa and Morocco Count on Experienced Leaders
Former African Women's Player of the Year Thembi Kgatlana remains South Africa's biggest attacking threat as Banyana Banyana seek another deep run at the tournament.
Hosts Morocco, meanwhile, will look to captain Ghizlane Chebbak to inspire the Atlas Lionesses on home soil. The experienced midfielder continues to be one of Africa's finest playmakers, while Sanaâ Mssoudy adds creativity and attacking drive from midfield.
Young Stars Ready to Announce Themselves
WAFCON 2026 also offers a platform for Africa's next generation of talent.
Malawi midfielder Faith Chinzimu arrives after helping her country secure a historic first qualification for the tournament, while Tanzania winger Hasnath Ubamba has attracted attention following an outstanding club season that earned her a move to Spanish side Madrid CFF.
Both players will be eager to establish themselves among the continent's brightest young footballers.
A Landmark Tournament for African Women's Football
With a larger field, record prize money and World Cup qualification on the line, WAFCON 2026 represents another major step forward for women's football in Africa.
As the tournament unfolds, established stars and emerging talents will battle not only for continental supremacy but also for places on the global stage at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.