BIGGER. BETTER. BACK. All you need to know about WAFCON 2026
So, you’ve heard that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is about to begin (finally), but you’re completely new to women’s football in Africa?
Never fear, Dakota Johnson has done the research and has you covered. So here’s a detailed run-down of who’s competing, players to look out for and stories to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.
First, some WAFCON 2026 background. Like this year’s now infamous men’s AFCON, the tournament is being held in Morocco. Now, you might be thinking that it’s only been a year since the last edition of the tournament, and you’d be right. The 2024 edition was delayed until 2025, meaning that there’s only been a year between competitions – the 2024 Olympics in Paris being cited as the reason behind that particular delay.
You might also be thinking, wasn’t the competition supposed to happen earlier this year? And again you’d be right, the 2026 edition having been delayed just 12 days before it was due to begin. While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) blamed “unforeseen circumstances”, there was significant speculation that the real reason behind the delay was that Morocco were refusing to host the competition following the fall-out from the final of the men’s tournament.
Whether or not there’s any truth in this, we’ll probably never know. However, it must also be noted that the change does benefit the European teams, as playing the tournament in April would mean many teams losing key players for a month. So, great for us in the WSL, but not so great for teams in the USA, as the NWSL operates on a different schedule. So some of their teams will be without big players – for example, Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga will be away with Malawi, whilst Orlando will have to make do without Zambia’s star Barbra Banda.
With that quick lowdown out of the way – and the knowledge that there are four groups of four nations – let’s look at the teams themselves.
GROUP A
Morocco – Home advantage?
In recent years, the Moroccan national team has come on leaps and bounds in both women’s and men’s football, and for one reason or another they often seem to be in the news. The team will be hoping to tune out any outside noise though, and with home advantage and a strong team, the 2022 runners-up will fancy their chances.
Nickname – The Lionesses
Coach – Jorge Vilda
Yep, he’s back. Whatever your opinions on the former Spain coach, his skill and experience at the top are a huge asset to Morocco, and may well be one of the reasons they go that one step further this time around. Favouring a traditionally Spanish-style of play, centred around possession, if anyone wants to score against these Lionesses they’ll have to get the ball off them first.
Star player – Ghizlane Chebbak
Captain Chebbak plays in the Women’s Saudi Pro League, and was player of the tournament in 2022. Having played a season in Liga F, Chebbak is no stranger to the top level of women’s football, and with 204 goals in 165 appearances throughout her career, she is certainly a huge threat. In what will probably be her last WAFCON aged 45, she’ll be hoping her goals can finally seal the coveted title for her country.
Algeria – North Africa’s future?
Compared to local rivals Morocco, Algeria have yet to really develop the women’s game on such a level, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be pushovers. They’ll be hoping to be dark horses in this year’s competition, and after an incredible qualifying campaign their confidence will be at an all-time high. Whether or not they’ll be able to match an impressive quarter-final finish last time out remains to be seen, but it’s clear they are starting to build something for the future.
Nickname – The Fennecs
Coach – Farid Benstiti
Another familiar name? That’s because Benstiti has previously managed at the top level in Europe, including French giants PSG and OL Lyonnes. He won four championships in a row between 2007-2010, so Algeria have a manager who is no stranger to winning trophies. Focusing on discipline, it seems he knows exactly how to get the best out of a young group of players, which they’ll be hoping continues throughout WAFCON
His career hasn’t been without controversy however, as Benstiti has been accused of weight-shaming players during his time at OL Reign. It seems that no reports of such behaviour have come out of the Algeria camp, however it is something of a mark on his career.
Star Player – Inès Belloumou
Currently at West Ham and formerly at Bayern, she’s also played at Malmö and Montpellier. The left-back is French-born and represented France at youth level so knows what it’s like to play top international football. Algeria’s player of the year in 2025, she is one of their top prospects.
Senegal – Third time lucky?
Senegal are making their fourth appearance at WAFCON, and will be looking to their men’s team for inspiration this time round. Quarter-finalists last time out, they’ll be eager to improve on that result. Senegal’s trump card may well be that many of their squad play across Africa and Europe, meaning they have a wealth of experiences and have what it takes to play at the top level across the team.
However the team has apparently encountered a series of issues in recent weeks, with Romain Molina reporting that they were asked to leave their hotel base over unpaid bills. Hopefully this won’t have too much impact on the team, but it’s a difficult start to their campaign and questions must be asked of the federation.
Nickname – Lionesses of Teranga
Coach – Mame Moussa Cissé
Cissé has been in charge of the team for a few years, and has overseen a period of growth and development in that time. Favouring a mix of young players with senior figures, Cissé promotes healthy competition within the squad, and expects his players to fight for their place on the pitch – or essentially, nobody is guaranteed a place in the squad. Tactically, he relies on the young talent, but expects discipline, especially in attack.
Star player – Ndeye Awa Diakhaté
Playing as a forward for Marseille in France, Diakhaté is one of several Senegal players who have moved to Europe and larger Africa nations. Her pace is one of her strongest assets, and could cause a lot of trouble for teams that are unprepared for it. Her left foot too is a massive threat, and opposition teams will be trying to ensure she can’t get the ball on it. Getting her move to France after a successful WAFCON, she is proof that the competition can be a huge moment for players who are able to impress.
Kenya – Budding talent
While Kenya’s youth teams have done well in recent years, it has yet to translate to the senior team. Still, the talent is there, but is unfortunately held back by a lack of growth strategy. With double the prize money though and World Cup qualification up for grabs, this might finally be the tournament that forces the federation to take them seriously.
Nickname – Harambee Starlets
Coach – Beldine Odemba
Odemba has set her expectations high, stating that Kenya’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. Focusing on defence, she understands that whilst Kenya may not have the same quality on paper as others in the group, sometimes a single goal coupled with a strong defensive performance is all it takes.
Star player – Mwanalima Adam
Adam captains the national team and is one of the few players based in Europe, currently playing for Køge in Denmark, after a spell with Kansas City. Recently a Danish Cup winner, she’ll have a taste for silverware and will be hoping her goals can fire her country into World Cup qualification.
GROUP B
South Africa – Time to shine?
The 2022 winners were runners-up five times before their eventual win, and will seek to avoid that fate again this time. After reaching the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, they have every reason to be confident going into WAFCON.
If reports are to be believed though, there’s been tension between higher members of the technical staff going into the tournament. This prompted SAFA to put out a statement denying the claims, with the most problematic among them perhaps being allegations of favouritism. If true, this may be South Africa’s undoing in what is a crucial WAFCON campaign.
Nickname – Banyana Banyana
Coach – Desiree Ellis
Dr Ellis may be at the forefront of questions about internal infighting, but nonetheless she is one of Africa’s most successful coaches. With a successful playing career herself, she knows what it takes to win. While priding her team on being defensively strong, recently she has focused on improving their attacking power, as well as their all-round positional play. Could this be the difference in Morocco?
Star player – Linda Motlhalo
While most of South Africa’s team play domestically, Motlhalo is currently playing in Scotland, where she has been part of a successful Glasgow FC team. Voted best newcomer for Swedish team Djurgarden IF in 2020, and making last year’s best African XI, she is currently at the peak of her career. With 20 goals in 76 games for South Africa, she may not be their most prolific scorer but still is a threat – you don’t get nicknamed ‘Randfontein Ronaldinho’ for nothing, after all.
Ivory Coast – Quiet threat?
Not much has been said about Ivory Coast in the build-up to the tournament, but they’ll be happy to be underestimated. In fact, they weren’t originally meant to be at the competition at all, only squeezing in after the tournament was expanded from 12 to 16 teams, thus earning themselves a place at WAFCON for the first time since 2014, when they finished an impressive 3rd.
Nickname – The Elephants
Coach – Reynald Pedros
Pedros is a name some of you might recognise, after spending a couple of seasons managing at OL Lyonnes. He was very successful in this short space of time though, winning Division 1 Féminine twice, Coupe de France Féminine, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League two seasons in a row. In 2022, he took Morocco to the final of WAFCON, and although they fell at the final hurdle, he clearly knows how to lead a team to victory.
Star Player – Rosemonde Kouassi
Kouassi has played for NWSL team Washington Spirit since 2024, scoring 10 times and earning 12 assists. A strong presence for both Spirit and the national team, defenders will dread facing her.
Burkina Faso – Back again
Four years after their debut, Burkina Faso return to WAFCON. After a strong qualifying campaign, they arrive at the tournament looking to solidify years of development, and hope to make it out of the group for the first time. The game has come on leaps and bounds since then, and although it might be a bit soon to expect anything major, this may well be the tournament where they announce themselves on an international stage.
Nickname – Stallions Ladies
Coach – Pascal Sawadogo
Sawadogo was a teacher before going into football management, and managed the women’s U23s team before taking on the role with the senior team. One of the biggest leaders of the development of women’s football in the country, he has certainly already made a huge impact on the game, but would like to take this further with a memorable run at WAFCON. Growth is his focus, but alongside that he champions discipline and precision.
Star player – Adama Congo
Congo currently plays in Spain, a striker for top division team DUX Logroño. Burkina Faso’s first ever player to score at WAFCON, this time round she’ll want to be on the score sheet more often, and could be the difference in getting out of the group.
Tanzania – Room for improvement
Having made the tournament in 2010 and 2024, but failed to get out of the group both times, it’s clear Tanzania haven’t reached their full potential. However, qualifying was almost a walk in the park for them, and their coach has been in the set-up since U17 level, so knows the team like the back of his hand. Whether this translates to a better performance this time around will become apparent, but there’s no reason for this not to be the first time they get out of the group.
Nickname – Twiga Stars
Coach – Bakari Shime
As mentioned, Shime has been involved with Tanzania since U17 and so comes to WAFCON 2026 with a lot of management experience under his belt. He has been targeting fitness and endurance in the build-up to the tournament, which could be vital improvements to the team not just across the competition, but could prove the difference in individual games. And, with a new defensive approach this will be particularly important if he wants his team to keep the ball.
Star player – Clara Luvanga
Clara Luvanga has impressed in the Saudi Pro League, and will be wanting to bring this form into WAFCON. At only 21, she is already one of the brightest young stars in African football, and an impressive performance in Morocco may even see her snapped up by one of Europe’s or America’s teams. Impressing at youth level, she’s now older, wiser, and ready to guide her team to new highs.
GROUP C
Nigeria – Favourites
Nigeria are Africa’s most successful team, having won WAFCON 10 times, including last time out. They are additionally the only team from CAF to have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, so they’re not just a threat continentally. Put simply; Nigeria go into this year’s tournament as strong favourites. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for them, as they have been involved in several disputes with their federation, often over pay and poor conditions. Unfortunately this does seem common across CAF, but given Nigeria’s achievements it seems especially jarring that their federation seems to have little regard for the players.
Nickname – Super Falcons
Coach – Justine Madugu
Madugu has certainly been around the block when it comes to coaching, taking several African teams to WAFCON before winning with his native Nigeria. His speciality? (Wo)man-management. Madugu understands that the key to success is being able to connect with his players and act as a guide and trusted person rather than simply coach them. Consequently, he is able to build strong relationships with his players that translate to on field success, and allow for tactical flexibility.
Star player – Rasheedat Ajibade
Ajibade plays for Paris St Germain in France, making her one of the biggest stars at this year’s competition. Before the move, she had a successful spell at Atletico Madrid, scoring 40 goals in 136 appearances. Her list of individual accolades is huge, and with her Nigeria have one of Africa’s best talents.
Zambia – Star power?
Zambia are the 4th ranked team in Africa, and ready to take their place amongst the continent’s elite. 3rd place finishes in 2022, they come into the 2026 edition looking to build on this success, and solidify their huge progress. Given the insane amount of talent at their disposal, Zambia will surely expect at least a semi-final, but international football often surprises and they’ll have to stay on their toes.
Nickname – Copper Queens
Coach – Nora Häuptle
Häuptle has coached across Germany and Switzerland, and is one of just four female coaches at WAFCON. Her biggest job with this Zambia team was – on paper at least, simple – bring tactical stability to a team loaded with huge attacking talent. So far, it seems to be paying off for her and a draw against South Korea in the tournament build-up may well be the turning point.
Star Player – Barbra Banda
As mentioned earlier, Banda is one of Orlando Pride’s key players and will be hugely missed during her time at WAFCON. For Zambia though, having their captain fit and available will be a huge relief, especially given her skill in front of goal. Many go as far as to say Banda is one of the best players in the world, a huge crown which so far hasn’t weighed her down. With 57 goals in 63 appearances for Zambia, the pressure doesn’t seem to have bothered her at all so far.
Egypt – Left behind?
Egypt’s run to WAFCON has in some ways been harder than most. Prejudice prevents many young women from participating to this day, and is almost definitely a main contributor to their federation’s lack of funding and interest in the women’s game. And yet, here they are. Having beaten Senegal in a warm-up match too, their participation here isn’t purely just to make up the numbers.
Nickname – the Cleopatras
Coach – Ahmed Ramadan or Mohamed Kamal
I’ll be honest – even trying to confirm the identity of the current Egypt head coach wasn’t easy, with different sources across the internet all giving different names. The CAF Official website lists the women’s head coach as Ahmed Ramadan, however I wasn’t able to find any confirmation of this. Mohamed Kamal is the other name that pops up, and is who I think is the actual head coach at the moment.
Regardless, Egypt have looked solid in pre-tournament warm-up games, frustrating teams that look to go further in the competition than Egypt expect to. It seems the head coach, whoever it really is, has so far found a tactical system that gets the best out of the players he’s working with.
Star player – Sarah Essam
Essam is one of few Egyptian players playing abroad, and the first Egyptian women to play in both England and Spain. Moreover, she was the first Egyptian footballer to sign a deal with Adidas, and has been seen on the BBC. Currently playing for Hull, she is used to the pressures of playing at a high level.
She has also made a name for herself off the pitch, acting as a FIFA ambassador.
Malawi – Underdogs
Malawi are lucky to be here, there’s no point dancing around that. After receiving a bye to the second round of qualifying following Congo’s withdrawal, they then had two difficult matches against Angola. But that’s in the past, and they come to WAFCON ready to compete. In fact, this will be their first ever appearance at WAFCON, a piece of history in itself. In a difficult group and with the pressure of it being their first time, Malawi aren’t expected to do well, but with a few talented players and a coach who seems to have got the best out of them, they may well be this year’s underdogs, and could easily make life hard for the higher seeds.
Nickname – Scorchers
Coach – Lovemore Fazili
Fazili has been involved in football in Malawi for a long time, but this is his first time managing the women’s team. He’s made it very clear in the build-up that he’s not taking his team to Morocco just to participate, and aims to make the latter stages of the tournament. Ambitious, perhaps, but not out of the question. Instilling character and belief into his team, he has every reason to believe in his squad.
Star players – Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga
Tabitha Chawinga plays for one of Europe’s biggest and most successful women’s teams, OL Lyonnes. Having played around the world, she comes to WAFCON as one of its most experienced players. Golden-boot winner with Inter Milan in Serie A, she’s a proven goalscorer and will strike fear into defenders.
Younger sister Temwa Chawinga meanwhile plays in the NWSL for Kansas City, and has already been the NWSL’s top scorer, and won MVP twice in a row. A resilient player, she has worked hard to get where she is today, and her club team are reaping the rewards. She’ll be hoping to take this form into WAFCON alongside her sister, so don’t be surprised if Malawi go far.
GROUP D
Ghana – Can they live up to expectations?
After thrashing potential underdogs Malawi in the build-up to the tournament, Ghana’s confidence will be through the roof going into WAFCON 2026. With mainly domestic players in the squad, the coach is happy to let Ghana’s homegrown talent take centre stage. Yet to lift the WAFCON trophy but arriving having made large developments in recent years, Ghana arrive in Morocco with more expectation than usual.
Nickname – Black Queens
Coach – Kim Lars Björkegren
Björkegren took the role last year, after a career spent managing around the world and his native Sweden. With an impressive CV and a background in sports psychology, he is a huge asset to the Ghanaian set-up. He is also assistant coach with Ghana’s men’s team, the Black Stars showing just how highly he is rated by the Ghanaian FA. A good manager could be the difference at WAFCON, and Ghana have one of the best.
Star player – Princess Marfo
Marfo is one of few players in the squad playing abroad, currently at PSV in the Netherlands. Having previously played in Denmark and the NWSL, she brings a level of experience Ghana might overwise lack. With a lot of energy and depth, she is a versatile forward and Ghana will hope she can find her top level at WAFCON.
Cameroon – Point to prove
Cameroon are one of the continent’s most successful teams and yet are only here due to the expansion of the tournament. Looking to reclaim their reputation and show everyone they can still compete with the best, they come to WAFCON perhaps feeling a little sheepish. Still, with World Cup qualification on the line and a new-look squad and coach, this could be the competition where they announce themselves as ‘back’.
Nickname – Indomitable Lionesses
Coach – Valentine Nguele
A big name in Cameroon’s domestic league, Nguele is considered something of a master tactician. With high demands and high expectations from her players, she might be the perfect figure to take Cameroon back to where they believe they belong. No tyrant though, as she also focuses strongly on building good relationships with her players and using that base to get the best out of them.
Star player – Monique Ngock
Ngock is a product of the Right to Dream academy, and has just secured a move to Washington Spirit. The defensive midfielder featured at WAFCON 2022 at only 17 and is one of Cameroon’s brightest young stars, and will bring stability and international experience to their team.
Mali – Mainstays
At their 9th WAFCON, Mali will be hoping this will be the time they can make a proper mark. Yet another beneficiary of the expanded tournament, they certainly didn’t make things easy for themselves in qualification. As one of Africa’s leading sides they were awarded a place at WAFCON, but will have to work hard to show why their inclusion was justified.
Nickname – The Eagles
Coach – Birama Konaté
Konaté’s appointment was considered a major sign of intent from Mali’s FA. Having worked with multiple age groups, there’s no denying they have faith in him. With masters in sports management and an impressive CV, it’s clear that Mali have appointed him to try and finally go that one step further. Youth development has been key to his success, something he’s sure to want to continue as Mali’s head coach.
Star player – Aïssata Traoré
Traoré has one record behind her already – the scorer of Boston Legacy’s first ever NWSL goal. She is also the first Malian player to play in the WSL, in another record. Having played in France for six years, she has shown her goal scoring abilities. A key member of the national team since 2018 with an impressive list of clubs in her CV, Mali will be relying on her to see them through the group stage and potentially beyond.
Cape Verde – Minnows
This is Cape Verde’s best ever football era, across the men’s and women’s game. After an exciting qualifying campaign, they’ll be full of hope that they can make their first WAFCON one to remember. Many of their players feature in the Portuguese league, so at a decent level and with European experience. No matter what happens, being here is a huge achievement and is testament to the huge developments they’ve made over the last decade.
Nickname – Blue Sharks
Coach – Silvéria Nédio
Nédio’s main goal is to keep the rapid development of the game going, and build the appetite for participation. Having already performed a miracle getting Cape Verde to WAFCON, expectations remain low, but joy and enthusiasm high. She played street football herself as a child, and is no stranger to grit and passion. If she is able to impart this to her team, perhaps they can defy the odds and go on a memorable run.
Star player – Evy Pereira
Pereira plays in Portugal for Valadares Gaia, and operates in midfield. With 6 goals in 15 appearances, she also offers an attacking threat that could be huge for Cape Verde. Her long career in Portugal means she adds a level of professionalism to the squad that may be the difference in the group.
SO, there’s your overview of every single team at WAFCON 2026.
Take a moment to catch your breath, as it’s a stacked competition this year.
Watching brief:
Algeria v Senegal is the opening match of WAFCON 2026 in Rabat at 18h00 local time (17h00 GMT) on Sunday 26 July, then Morocco play Kenya at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT).
Good news. In the UK, Channel 4 are going to show WAFCON matches live. Elsewhere, BeIN sports have the rights in the USA, and the likes of DAZN, Canal + etc are covering the tournament. Fingers crossed for some YouTube streams too – keep an eye out.
Photos: WAFCON/ CAF, Instagram
