The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will now feature 16 participating nations starting from the next edition in 2026.
The competition, which will be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, previously had 12 teams.
CAF explained in an official announcement on Wednesday that the expansion is part of a long-term plan to improve competition levels and support the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa.
Since the qualifying process for the 2026 tournament has already been concluded, CAF has approved a ranking-based system to pick the additional four nations.
According to the updated list, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt — the four highest-ranked sides eliminated in the final qualifying round — have now been added to complete the 16–team line-up.
They will join the 12 teams already qualified: Morocco (hosts), Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Algeria, Kenya, Cape Verde, Senegal and Burkina Faso.
CAF believes the increase will create more opportunities for emerging teams, widen African representation, and enhance global visibility for the women’s game on the continent.
The 2026 edition will also double as the African qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
