The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opened in Morocco on Sunday, with Algeria defeating Senegal 2–0 in the tournament's first match — a result that set an early tone for what promises to be the most competitive edition of the continental championship in its history. Marin Dafor broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, before Melissa Bity sealed the win in the 88th, leaving Senegal without a point from their opening fixture.
This 14th edition marks a significant expansion: for the first time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has grown the field from 12 to 16 teams, divided into four groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The tournament runs until 16 August, with matches hosted across two cities — Rabat and Casablanca — in a country staging the event for a third consecutive time. Two nations, Malawi and Cape Verde, are making their WAFCON debuts, with Cape Verde's Blue Sharks having earned their historic place by overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Mali 4–3 on aggregate in qualifying.
The stakes extend well beyond continental glory. The four quarter-final winners will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the four losing quarter-finalists entering further play-offs for additional spots. That World Cup dimension gives every group-stage result added weight. CAF has also raised the financial bar significantly: the prize pool has grown by 67 percent to a record $5.8 million, with the champions taking home $2 million — double the prize from the previous edition.
Defending champions Nigeria's Super Falcons, the most decorated side in the competition's history with ten titles, arrive targeting an 11th crown. Hosts Morocco's Atlas Lionesses, twice runners-up in the last two editions — losing to South Africa in 2022 and surrendering a two-goal lead to Nigeria in the 2024 final — will lean on passionate home support in pursuit of their first ever continental title. South Africa, the 2022 champions, return as serious contenders, bolstered by the comeback of star striker Thembi Kgatlana.
Among the players to watch, Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala — a record six-time African Women's Player of the Year — brings her wealth of experience, while Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak enters as the reigning CAF Women's Player of the Year and back-to-back WAFCON Golden Boot winner. Malawi's Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, could emerge as surprise-package storylines in what is shaping up to be a landmark moment for women's football across the continent.