The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled proposals to expand the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to a 28-team tournament, to be staged on a four-year cycle, Sports247 reports.
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A move aimed at accelerating the growth and visibility of women’s football across the continent.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the BBIAW proposal during a press briefing, explaining that the expansion is designed to create broader participation, stronger competition, and increased global appeal for African women’s football.
“WAFCON is one of Africa’s most important women’s sporting events,” Motsepe said.
“By increasing the tournament to 28 countries and holding it every four years, we can give more nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, showcase their talent, and contribute meaningfully to the development of the women’s game in Africa.”
If approved, the new format would allow more emerging women’s national teams to feature on the continental stage, competing alongside Africa’s established powers and gaining invaluable exposure at elite level.
CAF believes the expanded competition will foster new rivalries, deepen competitiveness, and enhance the tournament’s commercial and broadcast value.
For developing football nations, the proposal represents a pathway to relevance and growth, while fans can expect a richer and more diverse showcase of African women’s football.
The proposed four-year cycle is also expected to improve preparation standards, giving teams more time to build squads, refine tactics, and invest in long-term player development, potentially raising the overall quality of the tournament.
However, the plan has already generated discussion among stakeholders, with concerns raised around scheduling, travel logistics, qualification structure, and maintaining competitive balance within a larger field.
CAF has confirmed that consultations with member associations and key stakeholders will continue in the coming months to refine the competition format and implementation strategy before any final decision is taken.
Should the proposal be ratified, WAFCON would enter a new era—broader in scope, bolder in ambition, and better positioned to drive the future of women’s football in Africa.
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