Morocco to Host Women’s AFCON 2026 as African Nations Prepare for Kick-off

Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention in the international sporting world is turning toward the African continent for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, the tournament is scheduled to begin just one week after the World Cup final, bringing Indigenous African football talent to the forefront of the global stage. Host nation Morocco will open the tournament by facing off against Kenya on the first day of competition. The Moroccan side, known as the Atlas Lionesses, enters the tournament seeking to replicate the recent success of their male counterparts. Morocco’s men’s team notably reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup and secured the AFCON 2025 title, providing a strong foundation of momentum for the women’s squad as they compete at home. Defending champions Nigeria are arriving with the intent to protect the title they earned one year ago. However, they face stiff competition from a field of continental heavyweights. Al Jazeera identifies Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi as being among the pre-tournament favourites to challenge for the trophy this year. The resumption of international national team play serves as a vital platform for African nations to showcase their athletes following a record-breaking World Cup cycle that saw 48 nations compete. As club football leagues in Europe also prepare for their August restarts, WAFCON 2026 stands as the primary international fixture for football fans looking to support national representative teams in the immediate weeks ahead.