The highly anticipated 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, also known as Wafcon, is finally set to kick off in Morocco, marking a significant moment in African women’s football. The tournament, initially scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April, was postponed just 12 days prior to its scheduled start date due to unforeseen circumstances.

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After a year-long delay, the tournament is now all set to begin on 26 July, with Algeria facing Senegal in the opening match at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium at 17:00 GMT. This year’s Wafcon is particularly significant as it doubles up as a qualifier for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, with the top four semi-finalists securing a spot in Brazil.

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What are the Groups?

The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups of four. Hosts Morocco are in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya, who are making their second appearance in the tournament after a decade-long absence. Group A is expected to be one of the most competitive groups, with Morocco seeking to improve their home record.

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Nigeria, the reigning champions, are in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national team, are considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, with a rich pedigree under homegrown coach Justin Madugu. Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named Africa’s best goalkeeper for the past three years, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named most valuable player at the finals last year.

Group B consists of South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania, while Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde. The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.

Wafcon 2026 Schedule and Kick-off Times

The tournament will take place across five stadiums in two cities: Rabat and Casablanca. The kick-off times will be at 17:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT throughout the tournament, with the exception of the final, which will be played at 19:00 GMT. The quarter-finals will take place on 8 and 9 August, with the semi-finals following on 12 August. The final will be held on 16 August.

Wafcon 2026 Venues

Five stadiums in two cities will host the tournament. The three stadiums in Rabat – Moulay Hassan Stadium, Olympic Stadium, and Al Medina Stadium – also staged matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The North African nation has invested heavily in footballing infrastructure in recent years, with several redevelopment projects underway ahead of the 2030 Fifa World Cup. The venues for the final will either be Moulay Hassan Stadium or the much larger Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The five confirmed venues are:

• Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat
• Olympic Stadium, Rabat
• Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
• Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
• Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca

Prize Money

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has announced that the prize money for this year’s Wafcon has been doubled, with the winners receiving $2m. The runners-up will receive $750,000, an increase of 50% from last year’s $500,000. The overall prize pot has increased from $3.475m to $5.8m. All 16 teams will receive $150,000 for participating, an increase of $25,000 from the 2024 finals.

Who are the Favorites?

Of the 16 participating nations, only Nigeria and South Africa have previously lifted the Wafcon trophy. Nigeria’s Super Falcons return to North Africa as both holders and the continent’s top-ranked side. Morocco, the hosts, have invested heavily in footballing infrastructure in recent years but have yet to emulate the success of the country’s men in becoming the top team in Africa.

South Africa, ranked second on the continent, still have the experienced Desiree Ellis in the dugout. Ghana, under Kim Bjorkegren, return fresh from their third-placed finish last year. Zambia round out the likely contenders, although they were demolished 5-0 by Nigeria in last year’s quarter-finals. They will look to skipper Barbra Banda, the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, for inspiration.

Wafcon 2026 Group Fixtures

The group stage will take place from 26 July to 6 August, with the quarter-finals following on 8 and 9 August. The semi-finals will be played on 12 August, with the final taking place on 16 August. Here are the group fixtures:

Sunday, 26 July

Group A: Algeria v Senegal, Olympic Stadium, Rabat, 17:00 GMT

Group A: Morocco v Kenya, Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, 20:00 GMT

Monday, 27 July

Group B: South Africa v Tanzania, Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca, 17:00 GMT

Group B: Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso, Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, 20:00 GMT

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Wafcon 2026 Quarter-finals

Saturday, 8 August

QF 2: Winner Group B v Second Place Group A, Moulay Rachid Stadium, 17:00 GMT

QF 1: Winner Group A v Second Place Group B, Moulay Hassan Stadium, 20:00 GMT

Sunday, 9 August

QF 4: Winner Group D v Second Place Group C, Larbi Zaouli Stadium, 17:00 GMT

QF 3: Winner Group C v Second Place Group D, Al Medina Stadium, 20:00 GMT

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