RABAT, Morocco — October 30, 2025.
Africa’s premier women’s football championship is set for a thrilling edition as twelve national teams have officially booked their places at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), to be hosted by Morocco.
Among the qualified nations are Cape Verde and Malawi, both making their first-ever appearances at the continental tournament — a milestone achievement that reflects the rapid growth and investment in women’s football across Africa.
The full list of qualified teams includes:
🇲🇦 Morocco (hosts)
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
🇸🇳 Senegal
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇿🇲 Zambia
🇲🇼 Malawi
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇩🇿 Algeria
“This is a proud moment not just for Cape Verde and Malawi, but for the entire continent,” said CAF Women’s Football Director Meskerem Tadesse. “Each qualification represents the hard work, resilience, and growing visibility of women’s football in Africa.”
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the 2026 edition will serve both as a continental showcase and a qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament promises fierce competition, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons aiming to defend their dominance after winning a record 10 WAFCON titles, while hosts Morocco look to build on the momentum of their impressive 2022 campaign that saw them reach the finals on home soil.
Elsewhere, Ghana and Kenya return to the stage after missing the 2024 edition, while South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are eyeing redemption following a turbulent qualification phase marked by coaching changes and internal disputes. (The Guardian)
Cape Verde’s qualification, in particular, has drawn continental admiration. Founded only in 2018, the national women’s team defied the odds, defeating Guinea-Bissau and Mali in back-to-back qualifiers. Meanwhile, Malawi’s Scorchers sealed their historic ticket after a dramatic 3–2 aggregate win over Botswana, earning a spot in the tournament for the first time in their history. (Africa Top Sports)
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe praised the progress of women’s football across the continent, saying:
“African women footballers are proving that with the right investment, structure, and exposure, they can compete with the best in the world. The upcoming WAFCON will be a celebration of that spirit.”
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held across four Moroccan cities, with opening matches scheduled for July 2026. Beyond the sport, the tournament is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits, promoting women’s participation in sport and tourism development across host cities.
For fans, the excitement is already building — with many expecting fresh narratives, rising stars, and a new wave of African heroes ready to shine on the global stage.
Read more via CAF Online and The Guardian.
