In a landmark decision that marks a new chapter for women’s football in Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved the expansion of the Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, starting with the next edition in Morocco, scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026.
This historic move signals CAF’s commitment to growing and globalizing African women’s football, providing more nations with the platform to compete at the continent’s highest level.
With the qualifying series for the 2026 tournament already concluded, CAF’s Executive Committee has approved a selection mechanism to determine the four additional teams that will complete the expanded roster.
Based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the top four teams eliminated in the final qualifying round — Cameroon (66th), Côte d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th), and Egypt (95th) — have been granted slots in the tournament.
They join the 12 nations already qualified for Morocco 2026: Morocco (hosts), Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Senegal.
CAF says the expansion aligns with its strategic vision to enhance competitiveness, inclusivity, and visibility in the women’s game, echoing similar growth seen in the global women’s football scene.
The move is expected to widen the talent pool, encourage more investment in women’s football programs, and give emerging nations a chance to shine on the continental stage.
Beyond continental glory, the 2026 WAFCON will also serve as the African qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, to be hosted in Brazil.
As the road to Morocco 2026 begins, all eyes will be on how the expanded format shapes the future of women’s football in Africa.
