Algeria faces Senegal; Nigeria begins title defense

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco today, with Algeria taking on Senegal in the opening match. Meanwhile, defending champions Nigeria will start their Group C campaign against Malawi on Tuesday.

  • Algeria and Senegal will meet for the first time in WAFCON history;
  • Nigeria begins title defense after winning last year’s final;

The tournament serves as both a championship event and qualification for next year's FIFA Women’s World Cup. Eighteen matches are scheduled across five Moroccan stadiums over three weeks.

Tournament structure and groups

With 16 teams, the expanded WAFCON features four groups of four: Group A (Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya); Group B (South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania), Nigeria against Zambia and Egypt; and Group D (Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde).

  • Top two from each group progress to the quarter-finals;

Nigeria as leading contenders

Nigeria kicks off their title defense on Tuesday against Malawi. The Super Falcons are Africa’s highest-ranked women's team and seek an 11th continental crown, chasing a record-extending string of victories.

  • Champions Nigeria begin with Malawi on Tuesday;

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teams are competing?

The tournament features 16 teams across four groups, all vying for spots in the final and qualification for next year's FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Where and when is the final scheduled?

Africa’s new champions will be crowned on August 16, with matches across Rabat and Casablanca stadiums leading up to this crucial showdown.