By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
- Historic expansion: WAFCON grows from 12 to 16 teams starting in 2026
- Broader participation: More nations to feature in Africa’s premier women’s football event
- CAF president hails growth: “This is a historic and progressive decision,” says Motsepe
- Legend reacts: WAFCON winner Salome Nke praises the move as “a victory for African women’s football”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, beginning with the 2026 edition in Morocco — a decision widely praised as a significant boost for women’s football across the continent.
The announcement followed CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Kinshasa, where President Dr. Patrice Motsepe described the move as a natural progression for the fast-growing women’s game in Africa.
“This is a historic and progressive decision,” Motsepe said. “The quality of women’s football in Africa is improving rapidly, and it is important that our competitions reflect that growth.”
Under the new format, 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stage. The adjustment brings WAFCON in line with the men’s Africa Cup of Nations and promises greater inclusivity for emerging football nations.
CAF officials say additional qualification rounds will be introduced, allowing 11 more nations to compete for the four remaining spots once the top seeds and automatic qualifiers are confirmed.
A Broader Stage for African Talent
The change is being celebrated across Africa as a long-overdue opportunity for more players to gain international exposure and for federations to invest more deeply in women’s football development.
Former WAFCON champion Salome Nke, who was born in Cameroon but represented and captained Equatorial Guinea, welcomed the decision with enthusiasm.
“CAF’s decision is a victory for African women’s football,” Nke told Kick442.com. “When I played, there were so many strong teams that never got the chance to shine because of limited slots. This expansion means more young girls will believe it’s possible to wear their country’s colours on the biggest stage.”
Nke, who lifted the WAFCON trophy with Equatorial Guinea in 2008 and 2012, added that increased competition would raise the overall standard of the tournament.
“More diversity means more stories, more passion, and a better future for the game,” she said.
Morocco Ready to Host Again
The 2026 WAFCON will once again take place in Morocco, the same country that hosted the highly successful 2022 edition — praised for its record attendances and professional organisation.
CAF is expected to release detailed qualification guidelines before the end of the year.
The decision also aligns with global trends following FIFA’s expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 32 teams in 2023, signalling a broader commitment to growth, inclusion, and representation in the women’s game.
With 16 teams now set to compete, WAFCON 2026 promises to be the biggest and most competitive edition in the tournament’s history.
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