CAF Expands Women’s AFCON to 16 Teams Ahead of 2026 Edition in Morocco

CAF says the expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will enhance competitiveness, visibility, and the development of women’s football across Africa.

By Bukola Kuteyi

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the expansion of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the 2026 edition to be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

CAF disclosed this in a statement on its official website, noting that the decision aligns with its strategic vision to strengthen competitiveness and accelerate the development of women’s football across the continent.

“As the qualification phase for the 2026 edition has already been completed, the Executive Committee has approved the selection mechanism to determine the four additional teams,” the statement said.

CAF confirmed that the top four teams in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings among those eliminated in the final qualifying round have been selected to fill the expanded slots. These teams are Cameroon (66th), Côte d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th).

They will join the already qualified nations: Morocco (hosts), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal.

CAF emphasized that the expansion will allow more African nations to gain valuable continental exposure and will boost global visibility for women’s football from Africa.

The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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