The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicked off on Sunday, marking the start of a third consecutive edition in Morocco, as two-time runners-up, the Atlas Lionesses, look to win their first continental title.
WAFCON 2026 is taking place around four months later than initially planned.
Why was the tournament rescheduled?
The tournament was initially scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, but less than two weeks before kickoff, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) moved the tournament to July 25-August 16.
CAF said the decision followed consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders to address unforeseen circumstances and ensure the competition’s success.
The announcement came a month after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe, claimed that South Africa would host the tournament and suggested Morocco had stepped aside.
Hours later, South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie walked back the remarks, confirming Morocco would remain the host.
Speculation over Morocco’s hosting had been growing for weeks even before CAF announced the new dates, especially after the controversial AFCON 2025 final, when Senegalese players walked off the pitch for around 14 minutes, and chaos erupted in the stands.
Why is Morocco hosting WAFCON again?
Morocco has become the first country to host three consecutive editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after also staging the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.
According to FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa, the reason was that no other country had bid to host the tournament.
He said countries either did not want to bear the high cost of organizing the competition or lacked the infrastructure and stadiums needed to stage it.
“Morocco was simply supporting CAF’s efforts to develop women’s football across the continent, without expecting any financial return,” Lekjaa emphasized.
What is the prize money for WAFCON?
The overall prize fund for WAFCON 2026 has increased from $3.475 million to $5.8 million.
The champions will receive $2 million, double the amount awarded at the previous edition. The runners-up will earn $750,000, while the third-placed team will take home $350,000, a 43% increase from the previous tournament.
All 16 participating teams are also guaranteed $150,000 in participation funding, up from $125,000 at the last edition.
The road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup
WAFCON 2026 will also decide which African teams qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four teams that reach the semi-finals will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The four quarter-final losers will then play additional matches, with the two winners advancing to the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs for another chance to reach the World Cup.
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