In a landmark move for women’s football on the African continent, the Executive Committee of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has approved the expansion of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, effective from the 2026 edition. This strategic decision, announced recently, will see the tournament hosted in Morocco from March 17 to April 1, 2026.
The expansion reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and development of women’s football across Africa. By increasing the number of participating teams, CAF aims to provide more nations with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a continental stage, fostering the growth of women’s football throughout the region.
While the qualification process for the 2026 tournament has already concluded, CAF has introduced a selection mechanism to identify the four additional teams that will join the already qualified nations. Teams that were eliminated in the final qualifying round were evaluated based on their current FIFA Women’s World Rankings, leading to the selection of Cameroon (ranked 66th), Cote d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th).
These teams will join the 12 nations that have already secured their spots for the tournament, including host country Morocco, along with Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal. This expansion not only amplifies participation but also adds to the competitive nature of the tournament, enabling a diverse representation from across the continent.
CAF’s decision aligns with its overarching strategic vision to elevate women’s football, providing it with the much-needed support to thrive and gain recognition on the global stage. With participation in the WAFCON increasingly seen as a vital stepping stone, the tournament will also serve as the continental qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, further accentuating its importance in the international football calendar.
This historic expansion promises to inspire young female athletes in Africa and enhance their prospects in the sport. As excitement builds for the 2026 WAFCON, all eyes will be on the participating nations as they prepare to battle not just for continental glory, but also for a place in the world spotlight.