The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), in partnership with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has officially unveiled the full match schedule, kick-off times, and venues for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026, with East African representatives Kenya and Tanzania set to carry the region’s hopes in the continent’s biggest-ever women’s football tournament.
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will officially kick off on 26 July 2026 and run until 16 August 2026 across the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Casablanca, bringing together Africa’s top 16 women’s national teams in the biggest edition of the competition to date.
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone as the tournament expands to 16 participating nations for the first time, highlighting CAF’s continued commitment to growing women’s football across Africa.
Kenya Face Hosts Morocco in Tournament Opener
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have been handed one of the toughest opening assignments after being drawn in Group A alongside tournament hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal.
The Starlets will launch their campaign on Sunday, 26 July, taking on hosts Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT).
Earlier that evening, Algeria and Senegal will officially open the tournament at the Rabat Olympic Stadium at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT).
Kenya will be aiming to make a strong statement against the hosts before facing Algeria and Senegal in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group.
Tanzania Return to Continental Stage
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars have been drawn into Group B, where they will battle defending champions South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.
Although Tanzania face a difficult group led by reigning African champions South Africa, the East Africans will be eager to prove they belong among the continent’s elite after securing qualification for the expanded tournament.
Group B matches will be staged in Casablanca, giving Tanzania an opportunity to test themselves against some of Africa’s strongest women’s national teams.
Historic Stakes Beyond Continental Glory
Beyond lifting Africa’s most prestigious women’s football trophy, teams will be competing for qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
The tournament winner will also receive a USD 1 million prize, making this the most lucrative edition of the competition.
After the group stage, the quarter-finals will take place on 8 and 9 August, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals scheduled for 12 August in Rabat.
Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will still have an opportunity to keep their World Cup dreams alive through qualification play-off matches that will be played in Casablanca on 13 August.
The third-place playoff is set for 15 August, while the grand final will be played on 16 August at 20:00 local time in Rabat, where Africa’s new women’s champions will be crowned.
East Africa’s Moment
With Kenya and Tanzania both qualifying for the expanded championship, East African women’s football has reached another important milestone.
Kenya will be looking to upset hosts Morocco and challenge for a place in the knockout rounds, while Tanzania hope to compete strongly against defending champions South Africa and the experienced Côte d’Ivoire.
Their participation reflects the growing investment and progress in women’s football across East Africa, with both nations hoping to inspire a new generation of female footballers through strong performances on the continental stage.
TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON Morocco 2026 Groups
Group A (Rabat)
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Senegal
- Kenya
Group B (Casablanca)
- South Africa
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Tanzania
Group C (Rabat)
- Nigeria
- Zambia
- Egypt
- Malawi
Group D (Casablanca)
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Mali
- Cape Verde
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