The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations officially begins tonight in Rabat, as Algeria faces Senegal in the opening match scheduled for 7 PM, followed by the host nation, Morocco, taking on Kenya at 10 PM. This edition of the continental tournament marks a significant milestone, as it features 16 teams for the first time in its history, expanding from the previous format of 12 teams.
Hosted in Morocco until August 16, the tournament encompasses a total of 34 matches, taking place across five stadiums, with three located in Rabat and two in Casablanca. This 14th edition of the tournament also serves as a qualifying round for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.
Expanded Tournament Structure with Four Groups
On November 4, 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams. This decision allowed for an unprecedented rescue based on the FIFA women’s world rankings, benefiting four nations that were initially eliminated in the qualifying rounds: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt.
The 16 qualified teams are divided into four groups of four:
- Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
- Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
- Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
- Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
As the host nation, Morocco automatically qualified, while the other fifteen nations secured their spots through the qualifying rounds held in 2025. The Olympic Stadium in Rabat will host the first two matches of the tournament tonight: Algeria vs. Senegal at 7 PM, followed by the much-anticipated match between Morocco and Kenya at 10 PM.
Nigeria Aims to Defend Its Title
Nigeria, the reigning champion from the previous edition also held in Morocco, is favored to retain its continental title. The Super Falcons find themselves in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. Meanwhile, Morocco, playing on home soil, aims to achieve its first continental triumph.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, organized by CAF since 1998, serves as the female counterpart to the men’s AFCON. The tournament was established shortly after the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, prompting the continental body to create a structured competition for its national teams. Previously known as the African Women’s Football Championship, the tournament adopted its current name in 2015 following a decision by the CAF Executive Committee.
Since its inception, Nigeria has dominated the tournament, being the only nation, alongside South Africa, to participate in every edition. The Super Falcons boast ten continental titles, far ahead of Equatorial Guinea, which won twice in 2008 and 2012, and South Africa, which has one title. The 2026 edition signifies a new chapter in the tournament's history, with the number of participants doubling from the previous eight-team format that had been in place for many years.
Beyond the prestigious continental trophy, this competition directly qualifies the four semi-finalists for the 2027 World Cup. Additionally, the four teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will compete in a playoff tournament for two extra World Cup spots.
The financial stakes have also been significantly increased: the participation prize for each team has risen from $125,000 to $150,000, while the award for the championship-winning team has doubled from $1 million to $2 million.
The final is set for August 16, either at the Moulay Hassan Stadium or the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with CAF yet to make a final decision between the two venues.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
