Wafcon 2026 starts in Morocco with World Cup places on line
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) 2026 kicks off in Morocco on Sunday 26 July and runs until 16 August. Nigeria defend their title across 34 matches in Rabat and Casablanca, with World Cup 2027 places and record prize money on the line in an expanded 16-team field.
Key Takeaways
- Wafcon 2026 runs from 26 July to 16 August in Rabat and Casablanca after a late postponement of the March–April window.
- An expanded 16-team field includes debutants Cape Verde and Malawi; Nigeria chase an 11th title.
- Four semi-finalists qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
- CANAL+ will show all 34 matches live on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa, with winners set for a record USD 2 million prize.
When and where does Wafcon 2026 take place?
The tournament was first scheduled for 17 March to 3 April in Rabat, Casablanca and Fes, then postponed 12 days before kickoff for what the Confederation of African Football called “unforeseen circumstances.” Morocco requested new dates for undisclosed reasons, and a revised list covering only Rabat and Casablanca was revealed on 25 June.
Per CAF, Sunday’s openers are Algeria versus Senegal at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium (18:00 local) and hosts Morocco versus Kenya at Moulay El Hassan Stadium (21:00 local). All matches kick off at 6pm or later local time.
Who are the favourites and debutants?
Nigeria won a 10th Wafcon title in 2025 and retained the core of that squad, captained by Rasheedat Ajibade, with Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie among the headliners. They aim for a record-extending 11th crown without injured defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
Morocco seek a first title after two runner-up finishes on home soil. South Africa, the 2022 champions, and Zambia also rank among contenders. Cape Verde and Malawi are debutants, while Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Egypt were added on rankings after qualification ended. For more BlasterPost coverage beyond the pitch, visit our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries hub.
Which stars and stakes should fans watch?
Eyes will be on Malawi sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak—Golden Boot winner at the past two Wafcons—and Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. BBC Sport also flags Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo, Kenya’s Lilian Awuor, Egypt’s Nadine Ghazi, South Africa’s Refiloe Jane and Cape Verde captain Varsenia da Luz.
Four semi-finalists book Brazil 2027 tickets; four losing quarter-finalists play off for two inter-confederation playoff places. CAF says winners will receive a record USD 2 million. Global broadcasters include beIN Sport, the UK’s Channel 4, DAZN and Ziggo.