By Angu Lesley
The draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has set the stage for a compelling tournament, blending tradition, rivalry and fresh ambition across four competitive groups. From record champions Nigeria and hosts Morocco to the return of Cameroon and the arrival of debutants Cape Verde and Malawi, the continent’s flagship women’s competition promises intrigue well beyond the group stage.
Nigeria: Holders and the Benchmark
As ever, attention gravitates towards Nigeria, the defending champions and the most successful nation in the history of the competition. Drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, the Super Falcons face a group that is both demanding and revealing.
Nigeria’s status as holders brings expectation rather than comfort. Their rivalry with Zambia has intensified in recent years, while Egypt continue to rebuild their women’s programme with renewed investment. Malawi, making their tournament debut, add an element of unpredictability—particularly with the presence of the Chawinga sisters, whose pace and goal threat have earned admiration well beyond southern Africa.
For Nigeria, the objective is clear: defend the crown and reaffirm their dominance in an era where the gap at the top of African women’s football is narrowing.
Morocco: Hosts with History on Their Side
In Group A, hosts Morocco headline a competitive quartet featuring Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Runners-up at the last edition, the Atlas Lionesses are once again under the spotlight, buoyed by home support and growing confidence following their historic run to the final in 2022.
Morocco’s rise has been underpinned by improved domestic structures and a clear long-term vision, and playing on home soil offers a significant advantage. However, this is no straightforward group. Senegal bring physicality and tournament experience, Algeria are tactically disciplined, while Kenya return eager to make a statement.
For Morocco, the challenge is not just to progress, but to show that their last appearance in the final was not a one-off.
Cameroon: A Welcome Return
Cameroon’s inclusion in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and debutants Cape Verde marks a significant moment. Absent from the previous edition, the Indomitable Lionesses return to WAFCON determined to reassert themselves among the continent’s elite.
Historically one of Africa’s strongest women’s sides, Cameroon have produced generations of physically powerful and technically gifted players. Their group, however, offers little margin for error. Ghana and Mali are consistent performers, while Cape Verde arrive free of pressure and full of curiosity.
Cameroon’s return restores a familiar heavyweight to the competition—and adds further depth to an already competitive tournament.
Newcomers with Nothing to Lose
Two nations will experience WAFCON for the first time: Cape Verde and Malawi. Their presence underlines the steady expansion of the women’s game across the continent.
Malawi’s debut is particularly eye-catching. Drawn into Nigeria’s group, they arrive led by the prolific Chawinga sisters, whose exploits at club level have raised expectations at home and abroad. Cape Verde, meanwhile, complete Group D and will look to embrace the challenge against seasoned opposition, viewing the tournament as both a learning opportunity and a platform to announce themselves.
A Tournament of Balance and Belief
Elsewhere, Group B pairs reigning champions South Africa with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, offering another test of consistency for Banyana Banyana as they seek to remain among Africa’s elite.
Across all four groups, WAFCON 2026 reflects a competition in transition—where established powers must guard against complacency, emerging teams arrive with belief, and hosts and debutants alike carry distinct narratives.
When the tournament kicks off in March across Rabat, Casablanca and Fes, reputations will matter less than performance. As history has shown, WAFCON often rewards those ready to seize the moment.
WAFCON 2026 FINAL DRAWS
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
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