WAFCON 2026 Draw Sets Stage as Africa’s Best Prepare for Morocco Showpiece

The group stage draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has formally set the competitive landscape for the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament, with attention now turning to preparation, expectations, and continental rivalries.

For CAF, the draw marks a key transition point from qualification to competition planning, as national teams begin tactical and logistical preparations.

Morocco will host WAFCON 2026 across multiple venues, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most reliable football hosts. The country’s investment in modern stadiums, training facilities, and tournament logistics has made it a preferred destination for Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions.

Beyond infrastructure, the tournament is expected to draw significant regional and global attention as women’s football on the continent continues to grow in visibility, competitiveness, and commercial relevance.

Nigeria, the defending champions, enter the tournament carrying heightened expectations. Having claimed the previous WAFCON title and all 10 of their appearances, the Super Falcons are now tasked with proving their continues reign in WAFCON.

Historically, defending champions at WAFCON have faced intense pressure, with rivals often structuring their campaigns specifically to dethrone the titleholders. Nigeria’s experience, tactical discipline, and growing international exposure will be tested against a field that has steadily closed the competitive gap.

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, WAFCON 2026 represents a broader statement about the trajectory of women’s football in Africa, one increasingly defined by professionalism, competitive depth, and institutional support.

As the countdown begins, the draw has done its job: setting the stage for a continental contest that will test champions, elevate challengers, and once again place African women’s football firmly in the spotlight.

Group A will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Group B at the Al Medina Stadium (formerly Stade El Barid) in Rabat, Group C at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca and Group D at the Complexe Sportive de Fes.

WAFCON 2026 group draw

Group A: Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Senegal, Kenya.

Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania.

Group C: Nigeria (holders), Zambia, Egypt, Malawi.

Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.