All you need to know about Wafcon 2026

The continent of Africa is abuzz with anticipation as the delayed 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) prepares for its grand opening in Morocco on July 26. Originally slated for March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rescheduled the tournament to run until August 16, citing unforeseen circumstances and a desire to ensure a seamless competition. This edition marks a significant milestone, being the first to feature 16 national teams, an expansion from the previous 12, aimed at fostering greater development and participation in women's football across Africa. Morocco, hosting for a third consecutive time, is poised to deliver a spectacular event, with matches scheduled across multiple cities including Rabat and Casablanca. For Zambia, the tournament holds immense significance. The Copper Queens, a beacon of national pride, were among the first nations to secure their qualification for WAFCON 2026, demonstrating their growing prowess on the continental stage. Their journey to Morocco was cemented with a commanding 7-2 aggregate victory over Namibia in the final qualifying round, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair. This will be Zambia's fifth appearance at the prestigious tournament, and expectations are high for the team to surpass their previous quarter-final finish and make a strong bid for the podium. Beyond the coveted WAFCON trophy, the stakes are considerably higher this year. The tournament also serves as the crucial African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, scheduled to be held in Brazil. The top four teams from WAFCON 2026 will automatically qualify for the global showpiece, while two additional teams will earn a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs, providing multiple pathways to the World Cup stage. This dual objective adds an extra layer of intensity and competition, as nations not only battle for continental supremacy but also for the chance to represent Africa on the world's biggest footba