African women’s football is set for a historic transformation as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sweeping changes aimed at boosting the women’s game across the continent.
In a landmark move, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now feature 16 teams, an increase from the current 12.
The expansion, CAF said, is designed to give more countries the opportunity to compete at the highest level, while also ensuring broader representation and visibility for women’s football.
Beyond the flagship tournament, CAF has also revealed the introduction of two age-grade competitions to strengthen the grassroots of the women’s game.
The U-17 Women’s WAFCON will make its debut in 2026, followed by the U-20 Women’s WAFCON in 2027.
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According to CAF, these competitions will serve as critical platforms for nurturing young talent and providing structured pathways for African female footballers to progress from youth level to senior international football.
Analysts have described the move as a “new dawn” for women’s football in Africa, one expected to accelerate growth, increase investment, and elevate the continent’s presence on the global stage.
With the global rise of women’s football, CAF’s decision positions Africa as an active participant in shaping the future of the game.