Debutants Malawi and Cape Verde have secured their historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), joining African heavyweights Nigeria and South Africa among the 12 confirmed nations for the continental showpiece.
The two debutants sealed their places after impressive aggregate victories over Angola and Mali respectively, marking their first-ever appearance in Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
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Malawi overcame Angola 2-0 on aggregate, while Cape Verde stunned former bronze medalists Mali 4-3 over two legs.
Fourteen-time qualifiers Nigeria booked their place after a 3-1 aggregate win over Benin Republic, while defending champions South Africa edged DR Congo 2-1 on aggregate to return for their 14th appearance. Host nation Morocco, who reached the final in 2022, will lead the pack of qualified teams.
Other nations that made the cut include Ghana, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Morocco. Ghana impressed with a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory over Egypt, while Algeria silenced Cameroon 3-1 over two legs to make a return to the continental stage.
Zambia continued their fine form with a 7-2 aggregate demolition of Namibia, and Tanzania cruised past Ethiopia with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate result.
Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Senegal also sealed their spots after strong performances in their respective ties.
The 2026 WAFCON will also serves as the FIFA World Cup Qualifier we as the Semi Finalist will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women World Cup.
Qualified Teams for 2026 WAFCON:
1. Morocco (Host) – 5th appearance
2. Algeria – 7th appearance
3. Burkina Faso – 2nd appearance
4. Cape Verde – Debut
5. Ghana – 12th appearance
6. Kenya – 2nd appearance
7. Malawi – Debut
8. Nigeria – 14th appearance
9. Senegal – 4th appearance
10. South Africa – 14th appearance
11. Tanzania – 3rd appearance
12. Zambia – 5th appearance
Last Qualifying Round Results
Zambia 3-0 Namibia (7-2 Agg)
Nigeria 1-1 Benin (3-1 Agg)
South Africa 1-0 DR Congo (2-1 Agg)
Ethiopia 0-1 Tanzania (0-3 Agg)
Malawi 2-0 Angola (2-0 Agg)
Ghana 4-0 Egypt (7-0 Agg)
Cameroon 0-1 Algeria (1-3 Agg)
Gambia 0-1 Kenya (1-4 Agg)
Togo 0-1 Burkina (0-3 Agg)
Mali 2-4 Cape Verde ( 3-4 Agg)
Cote d’Ivoire 0-0 Senegal ( 0-0 Agg, 4-5 on Penalties)
The 2026 WAFCON will be hosted in Morocco, featuring 12 teams competing for the continental crown.
