The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the group stage draws for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting the stage for a fiercely competitive tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The draw ceremony, conducted under the supervision of CAF officials, produced several eye-catching matchups across four groups, pitting established continental powerhouses against ambitious emerging nations as teams vie for continental glory.
Host nation Morocco headline Group A, where the Atlas Lionesses will face Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya. Backed by home support, Morocco will be keen to assert dominance in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most closely watched groups.
Defending champions South Africa anchor Group B, alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Despite their pedigree, the Banyana Banyana are expected to be tested by determined opponents capable of springing surprises.
Record champions Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi. The Super Falcons are tipped as favorites but are expected to face stiff resistance, particularly from a rapidly improving Zambian side that has made significant strides in recent years.
Group D features a competitive lineup of Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde, with all four teams harboring realistic ambitions of progressing to the knockout stages.
Full Group Draw
Group A:
Morocco
Algeria
Senegal
Kenya
Group B:
South Africa
Ivory Coast
Burkina Faso
Tanzania
Group C:
Nigeria
Zambia
Egypt
Malawi
Group D:
Ghana
Cameroon
Mali
Cape Verde
CAF has also confirmed the host venues for the tournament, with matches set to be played across four major stadiums in Morocco: Moulay Al Hassan Stadium and Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, and the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès.
With the draw now concluded, focus shifts to final preparations as teams intensify training and tactical planning ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, a tournament expected to further highlight the rapid growth and rising competitiveness of women’s football in Africa.
