2026 WAFCON will decide Africa’s 2027 World Cup teams — FIFA

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026, will double as the continent's qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. This pivotal decision means that the stakes for continental glory are higher than ever, as African nations vie not only for the WAFCON trophy but also for a coveted spot on the global stage. Zambia's Copper Queens are among the 16 teams set to compete, having been drawn into Group C alongside formidable opponents Nigeria, Egypt, and Malawi. Under the new qualification format, the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFCON will automatically secure their places at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Additionally, two more African nations will have a chance to qualify through an inter-confederation play-off tournament, which will feature teams from various confederations globally. This expanded pathway offers African teams up to six potential slots at the World Cup, underscoring the growing recognition of women's football talent on the continent. The 2026 WAFCON tournament itself has been expanded to feature 16 teams for the first time, up from the previous 12, signifying a broader representation of African footballing nations. For Zambia, this WAFCON represents a critical juncture. The Copper Queens made history by qualifying for their debut FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, becoming the first landlocked African nation to achieve this feat in either gender. Their participation, though ending in the group stage, provided invaluable experience and exposed Zambian talent to the world. With a strong squad, including star striker Barbra Banda, and under the guidance of head coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia is poised to challenge for a top spot. The team's recent performance in qualifiers, comfortably overcoming Namibia, further highlights their readiness for the continental challenge. The implications for Za