The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved the expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from 12 to 16 teams, beginning with the 2026 edition.
The next tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco, was initially set to feature 12 nations, with qualifying already in its second and final round. However, CAF’s new decision means an additional qualifying round may be introduced, with 11 remaining teams expected to battle for four extra spots.
Further details of the revised qualification format are expected to be announced after the ongoing CAF Executive Committee meeting in Kinshasa.
WAFCON was first staged as an eight-team competition in 1998 and maintained that format until it expanded to 12 teams at the 2022 edition in Morocco. The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, CAF has increased its investment in women’s football across the continent. The prize fund for the last edition increased by 45 percent to $3.45 million, with champions Nigeria receiving $1 million after clinching their record-extending 10th title.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the progress of women’s football in Africa, reaffirming his commitment to its continued development.
“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,” Motsepe said. “Part of my focus is ensuring that both men and women can earn a living through football. Women’s football will continue to grow because it remains one of our top priorities.”
