Defending champions Nigeria will renew their rivalry with Zambia at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after the group-stage draw was confirmed on Wednesday, while hosts Morocco have been handed a North African derby against Algeria, MySportDab Reports.
The Super Falcons headline Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi. Nigeria arrive as the team to beat after lifting a record-extending 10th Wafcon title in July 2025, having dismantled Zambia 5–0 in the semi-finals before edging hosts Morocco 2–1 in a tense final in Rabat.
Morocco, who will host the tournament for a third consecutive edition, have been placed in Group A alongside local rivals Algeria, as well as Senegal and Kenya. The Atlas Lionesses will again look to turn home advantage into a first continental title after finishing runners-up last time out.
Group B features former champions South Africa, who lifted the trophy in 2022, and they will come up against Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Ghana were drawn in Group D, where they will face Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde.
The 2026 Wafcon marks an expanded format, with the Confederation of African Football increasing the number of teams from 12 to 16 midway through the qualification process.
Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt progressed to the finals based on their FIFA world rankings after losing their second-round qualification ties.
The tournament will also serve as a pathway to the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.
The losing quarter-finalists will enter play-offs to compete for two places at an inter-confederation qualifier.
Scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April, the finals come just eight months after the delayed 2024 edition, which clashed with preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite featuring more teams and matches, the 2026 tournament will be four days shorter than the previous edition.
Matches will be staged across four venues, with games in Rabat, Casablanca and Fes. Group A will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Group B at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Group C in Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium, and Group D at the Complexe Sportive de Fes.
Ahead of the draw, Caf president Patrice Motsepe reiterated plans to increase prize money and improve player salaries, highlighting the continued growth of women’s football on the continent.
