The delayed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) will finally begin on July 26 in Morocco, with the North African country hosting the tournament for a third consecutive time. Now featuring an expanded 16-team format with 34 matches, the competition doubles as World Cup qualification, with all four semi-finalists automatically securing spots at the 2027 tournament in Brazil. Defending champion Nigeria, chasing an 11th title, faces Zambia, Egypt and debutant Malawi in Group C, while host Morocco meets rivals Algeria along with Senegal and Kenya in Group A. Matches will be played across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca, with the final scheduled for August 16. Morocco, runners-up in the past two editions under World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, and two-time champion South Africa are considered among the leading contenders for the trophy.
BBC