Morocco Hosts 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations Kickoff
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opens on 26 July in Morocco, with matches scheduled in Rabat and Casablanca. The tournament has been expanded to 16 teams and doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, guaranteeing World Cup spots to the four semi‑finalists. Host nation Morocco hopes to win its first title, with coach Jorge Vilda saying, “The best way to begin the tournament is by showing our quality on the field.” Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrived in Rabat, received promised cash rewards and houses from the Nigerian government, and will seek an 11th crown. Other contenders include Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa and Zambia. CAF has secured a global broadcast lineup, featuring beIN Sport, Channel 4 in the UK, DAZN in Germany and many free‑to‑air African networks, bringing the event to millions. A separate incident saw more than $1,200 allegedly stolen from five Nigerian players’ wallets at a Casablanca hotel, prompting calls for an investigation.