The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take place in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, on Thursday, 15 January 2026.

The upcoming edition of WAFCON will feature 16 teams for the first time, reflecting the growing prominence and competitiveness of women’s football across the continent. Hosts Morocco and defending champions Nigeria are automatically among the qualified teams.

Other nations that have secured their place in the tournament include Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. The expanded format promises more thrilling matches and opportunities for emerging talent to shine on the continental stage.

The WAFCON 2026 finals are scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April, 2026, with teams competing for the prestigious crown and a chance to qualify for global competitions. CAF has emphasized that the draw ceremony will determine the group stage fixtures, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.

Fans across Africa are eagerly anticipating the event, which marks another milestone in the growth of women’s football on the continent, while giving players, teams, and supporters a clearer picture of the path to continental glory.