Some of Africa’s best women’s national football teams will be participating in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026.
WAFCON 2026 Morocco tournament is being organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and it features an unprecedented US$5.8 million prize money pot where the champions will receive US$2 million. Apart from that, the competition will give teams qualification chances and FIFA ranking points as women’s football continues to expand in Africa.
WAFCON 2026 Groups
This year’s WAFCON 2026 will have four groups, each having four teams.
| Groups | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
| Teams | Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya | South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania | Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi | Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde |
Matches in the group stage will be played in stadiums located in Rabat and Casablanca.
Full Match Schedule
The competition takes place over three weeks and involves 34 matches.
Group Stage
| Date | 26 July | 27 July | 31 july | 1 August |
| Match | Algeria vs Senegal | Morocco vs Kenya | South Africa vs Côte d’Ivoire | Nigeria vs Zambia |
Matches in the group stage will be played at the following times:
- 17:00 GMT
- 20:00 GMT
Knockout Stage
- Quarter-Finals: 8-9 August
- Semi-Finals: 12 August
- Third Place Play-off: 15 August
- Final: 16 August (19:00 GMT)
Highest Prize Money Ever
CAF has substantially increased the prize money on offer.
| Position | Prize Money |
| Champions | US$2 million |
| Runners-Up | US$750,000 |
| Participation (Each Team) | US$150,000 |
The increase in the prize money is evidence of the continuing investment in women’s football that CAF has made in Africa.
Players to Watch
Some of Africa’s top football players are set to play leading roles in this tournament.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
One of Africa’s best footballers, Asisat will lead the attack for the Super Falcons who hope to win another continental trophy.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
The experienced striker still represents South Africa’s biggest attacking threat, having helped Banyana Banyana become one of Africa’s best teams.
Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Rated as one of the most dangerous strikers in Africa, Banda will play an essential role in Zambia’s quest to go deep into the tournament.
Rosella Ayane (Morocco)
Being from the host country, Ayane is expected to play a crucial part in helping Morocco win its first WAFCON title.
Why is WAFCON 2026 Important?
The tournament underlines the fast growth of women’s football in Africa.
Among other things, the following storylines are worth considering:
- Record prize money.
- International interest.
- Increasing investments in women’s football.
- New young talents.
- Hosting the tournament by Morocco once again.
Also, good results at WAFCON 2026 may give the players more chances to join top clubs around the globe.
Conclusion – WAFCON 2026 Morocco tournament
The tournament of 2026 looks like one of the most important editions of WAFCON to have ever been played so far. The reason for that is the record-breaking prize fund, participation of 16 teams, and the best African footballers to compete in front of spectators in Morocco for three weeks.
FAQs
When does the 2026 WAFCON take place?
The event takes place starting from 26 July 2026 until 16 August 2026, when the final takes place.
Where does the 2026 WAFCON take place?
Morocco is the host of the event, where the games are played in Rabat and Casablanca.
How many teams are there?
There are 16 national teams in the tournament.
What is the amount of money that the winners will win?
The winners will win US$2 million, while the whole tournament has a prize fund of US$5.8 million.
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