Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: What to know about the tournament

The highly anticipated 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to kick off in Morocco, with 16 nations vying for continental supremacy and crucial berths in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Among the formidable contenders are Zambia's Copper Queens, who arrive in North Africa with heightened expectations and a burning desire to clinch their inaugural WAFCON title. The tournament, expanded to 16 teams for the first time, promises a thrilling spectacle of African women's football, showcasing a blend of established powerhouses and rising talents. Zambia's journey to Morocco has been marked by significant progress and a growing reputation on the international stage. The Copper Queens comfortably secured their qualification with a commanding 7-2 aggregate victory over Namibia in the final qualifying round, demonstrating their attacking prowess. This follows a historic period for Zambian women's football, which saw the team achieve a third-place finish at the 2022 WAFCON and make their debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, becoming the first landlocked African nation to do so. Their consistent presence in major tournaments, including two Olympic Games, underscores their evolution into a force to be reckoned with in African football. At the heart of Zambia's challenge are their globally recognised stars, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. Banda, the team captain and a prolific forward, has consistently delivered on the big stage, notably scoring in four major tournaments for Zambia, including the Olympics and World Cup. Her return to the WAFCON stage after missing previous editions due to eligibility issues has been eagerly awaited, and her impact is expected to be pivotal. Kundananji, another attacking sensation and one of the highest-paid female footballers globally, complements Banda, forming a potent offensive duo that can trouble any defence. Their individual brilliance, combined with a tactically disciplined squad under head coach Nora Häuptle,