12 nations qualify for 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
Beyond the race for continental glory, the 2026 WAFCON carries added significance as it doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
12 teams have officially secured their places at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be hosted in Morocco, promising another thrilling showcase of the continent’s top women’s football talent.
Leading the charge are record champions Nigeria, who will be aiming for an unprecedented 11th continental title. The Super Falcons headline a competitive field that includes hosts Morocco, runners-up in the last two editions, who will once again seek to turn home advantage into silverware.
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The full list of qualifiers features a blend of established giants and rising contenders: South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Malawi, and Kenya’s Harambee Starlets. Each team arrives in Morocco with a narrative of resilience, ambition, and progress.
For Kenya, qualification marks a long-awaited return to the continental stage after years of absence.
The Harambee Starlets overcame challenges both on and off the pitch to reclaim their spot among Africa’s elite, under the leadership of head coach Beldine Odemba. Their return strengthens East Africa’s presence, with Tanzania and Zambia also qualifying after strong campaigns.
The 2026 tournament will also feature two debutants, Cape Verde and Malawi, who have reached the finals for the first time in their history.
Their breakthrough reflects the growing competitiveness and expansion of women’s football across Africa, as new nations challenge the traditional hierarchy.
Burkina Faso also makes a return after missing recent editions, joining Algeria and Senegal among the teams looking to build on impressive qualifying performances.
Beyond the race for continental glory, the 2026 WAFCON carries added significance as it doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will earn automatic World Cup berths, while two additional teams will head to the intercontinental play-offs.
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