Women’s AFCON 2026: CAF confirms expansion of the tournament to 16 teams

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved a major decision for the development of women’s football on the continent: the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will increase from 12 to 16 teams starting with the next edition, scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2026.

Nigeria, the defending champions, and Morocco, the host nation, are among the countries already qualified for this expanded edition, along with ten other teams. To complete the line-up, CAF selected four additional teams from among the best sides eliminated in the last qualifying round, based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast and Egypt will thus benefit from these reprieved spots.

Scheduled from March 17 to April 3, 2026, this Women’s Africa Cup of Nations promises to be the most competitive in history, reflecting the rise of African women’s football. The tournament will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, offering the participating teams a double chance to shine.