Cynthia Ezegwu
Twelve countries have secured qualification for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after two rounds of qualifiers.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) announced the list of qualified teams on Wednesday, confirming hosts Morocco among the participants. The Atlas Lionesses, who finished as runners-up in the last two editions, will be aiming to finally lift the trophy on home soil after their narrow 2–1 defeat to South Africa in the 2022 final.
Ten-time champions Nigeria will also be gunning for an 11th continental title as the Super Falcons continue their dominance in African women’s football. Ghana, bronze medallists at the last tournament, have qualified with renewed intent, while South Africa and Zambia—now consistent title contenders—will look to make strong impressions.
The 2026 edition will see two debutants, Cape Verde and Malawi, making historic first appearances at the finals. Kenya and Burkina Faso also return after long absences, with Senegal, Algeria, and Tanzania completing the lineup of qualified nations.
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CAF noted that the tournament promises intense competition as Africa’s top teams vie not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four WAFCON semi-finalists will earn automatic World Cup berths, while two additional teams will progress to the intercontinental play-offs.