The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicks off today, July 27, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco. The tournament features a new expanded format with 16 teams, up from the previous 12. The opening match sees Algeria face Senegal at 19:00 local time, followed by host nation Morocco taking on Kenya.
Morocco, which hosted the 2022 edition, returns as the host country for this year's tournament. The competition runs from July 27 to August 15, 2026, with matches scheduled across multiple venues in Morocco. The expanded format aims to increase participation and competitiveness in African women's football.
Defending champions South Africa are among the favorites, having won the 2022 title. Other strong contenders include Nigeria, the most successful team in WAFCON history with 11 titles, and Morocco, who reached the final in 2022. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top four teams securing spots.
