Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: What to know about the tournament
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 will take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, featuring 16 teams competing for berths in the 2027 Women's World Cup. Nigeria will defend their title, with Ghana, Zambia, and Morocco among the favourites, while matches will be held across five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.
The Confederation of African Football's Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 is set to commence in Morocco this month, marking a significant continental football event. The tournament was originally scheduled to begin in March but was postponed by four months due to unforeseen circumstances, with reports indicating Morocco requested the date change following controversies surrounding the men's AFCON final held in the country earlier this year.
Sixteen national teams will compete across a 22-day tournament spanning five stadiums located in Rabat and Casablanca. The group stage will run from late July through early August, followed by knockout rounds culminating in the final on August 16 in Rabat. Matches will be scheduled at 17:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT, with the final beginning at 19:00 GMT.
Nigeria enters as defending champions after winning the previous edition, while Ghana, Zambia, and Morocco are considered pre-tournament contenders. The competition will showcase numerous world-class players, including Zambian forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda, Nigerian midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade, and Malawian sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Success in the tournament will provide qualification pathways to the 2027 Women's World Cup, adding significant stakes to the continental competition.
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