The WAFCON 2026 draw has officially confirmed the group stage line-up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, offering fans an early glimpse into the matchups that will shape the tournament in Morocco. The draw, conducted in Rabat, marks a major milestone as preparations intensify ahead of kickoff in March 2026.
This edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be historic. For the first time, 16 national teams will compete, expanding the tournament from its previous 12-team format. As a result, the competition promises greater depth, wider regional representation, and a more demanding route to the knockout rounds.
Morocco will host the tournament for the third consecutive time, with matches scheduled between 17 March and 3 April 2026. The North African nation continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable hub for major continental football events, supported by modern stadiums and strong organizational capacity.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions after lifting their tenth continental title at the previous edition. Their continued dominance places pressure on emerging challengers, while also raising expectations for another intense title race.
Beyond continental glory, the stakes are even higher this time. Teams will also be competing for qualification spots at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic tickets, while the losing quarter-finalists will contest additional play-offs to determine Africa’s remaining representatives.
The draw ceremony took place at the Mohamed VI Football Complex, just outside Rabat, under the supervision of the Confederation of African Football. The 16 qualified teams were seeded into four pots based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings released in December 2025, ensuring competitive balance across the groups.
Hosts Morocco were automatically placed in Group A, while defending champions Nigeria anchored Group C. Group matches will be staged across four key cities, with Rabat hosting Groups A and B, Casablanca welcoming Group C fixtures, and Fes serving as the base for Group D.
The final group composition reflects both experience and fresh ambition. While several familiar contenders return, new entrants such as Cabo Verde and Malawi will make their tournament debuts, highlighting the continued growth of women’s football across Africa.
WAFCON 2026 Groups
Group A
Morocco
Algeria
Senegal
Kenya
Group B
South Africa
Côte d’Ivoire
Burkina Faso
Tanzania
Group C
Nigeria
Zambia
Egypt
Malawi
Group D
Ghana
Cameroon
Mali
Cabo Verde
With fixtures and kick-off times yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building. The expanded format, World Cup implications, and diverse group matchups ensure that WAFCON 2026 will be one of the most competitive and closely watched editions in the tournament’s history.
