The Final Draw for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 has been concluded, and defending champions Nigeria have been handed a challenging path in Group C.
The Falcons will face Zambia, Egypt and debutantes Malawi at the continental tournament scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions after being crowned winners at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, where they edged the hosts Morocco 3–2 in a memorable final last July.
Nigeria Face Stern Test in WAFCON Group C
Record 10-time African champions Nigeria will be aiming to successfully defend their crown, but the Super Falcons must navigate a competitive group that includes Zambia’s physically imposing and attack-minded side, a resurgent Egypt, and first-time participants Malawi.
Group C matches will be staged in Casablanca, with all fixtures taking place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, adding another layer of intrigue as Nigeria begin their title defense away from the capital.
Hosts Morocco Headline Group A in Rabat
Tournament hosts, Morocco will be based in Rabat, where they headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.
All Group A matches will be played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with the Atlas Lionesses hoping to capitalize on home support as they chase a first continental title.
South Africa Lead Competitive Group B
Also based in Rabat, Group B will be played at the Al Madina Stadium and features reigning world bronze medalists South Africa, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.
The group promises intense competition, with several teams eyeing a deep run into the knockout stages.
Group D Set for Fierce Battles in Fes
Group D, to be hosted in Fes, includes former champions Ghana, perennial contenders Cameroon, two-time finalists Mali, and debutantes Cape Verde.
Matches will be played in Fes, where qualification battles are expected to be closely contested.
World Cup Qualification at Stake
Beyond continental glory, the stakes at WAFCON 2026 are exceptionally high.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, while the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
For teams eliminated at the quarter-final stage, hope remains alive.
Those sides will contest additional playoff matches to determine two African representatives for the inter-confederation play-offs, offering another pathway to the World Cup.
CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 – Final Draw
Group A (Rabat – Moulay El Hassan Stadium):
Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B (Rabat – Al Madina Stadium):
South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca – Larbi Zaouli Stadium):
Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes):
Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
