WAFCON 2026: Nigeria v Zambia, Morocco v Algeria headline group-stage drama

The stage is set for fireworks at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Thursday’s draw served up heavyweight clashes and intriguing subplots.

Defending champions Nigeria headline Group C, where they’ll renew hostilities with Zambia, a side they demolished 5-0 en route to last year’s title.

The Super Falcons, chasing an unprecedented 11th crown, also face Egypt and newcomers Malawi in what looks like a group of contrasting styles.

Over in Group A, hosts Morocco have been handed a spicy North African derby against Algeria, alongside meetings with Senegal and Kenya.

The Atlas Lionesses will be under pressure to deliver on home soil for a third straight edition.

The groups for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 are locked in 🔐

The tournament is set to begin on 17 March 🍿⚽#SSFootball | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/KdhA4BIji4 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 15, 2026

BANYANA'S BALANCING ACT

South Africa, champions in 2022, find themselves in Group B with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, a mix of physicality and emerging talent.

Desiree Ellis’s side will need to rediscover the swagger that made them continental queens four years ago.

Group D? Pure drama. Ghana square off against Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde in what could be the most unpredictable pool of the tournament.

WORLD CUP STAKES AND CAF'S BIG CALL

The prize is bigger than bragging rights: four semifinalists punch their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while quarterfinal losers fight for two extra spots via playoffs.

CAF’s decision to expand WAFCON from 12 to 16 teams midway through qualifying means heavyweights like Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt snuck in on world rankings despite second-round exits.

DATES, VENUES AND MOTSEPE'S PROMISE

Tournament window: 17 March – 3 April 2026

Venues: Rabat (two stadiums), Casablanca, and Fes

Group B action: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat

CAF boss Patrice Motsepe has vowed to boost prize money and player salaries, admitting the $1m Nigeria earned last year pales against the $10m men’s AFCON winners will bank this Sunday.

He also cleared the backlog of 2025 awards:

Club of the Year: AS FAR (Morocco)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR & Morocco)

FULL GROUP DRAW

Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya

Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania

Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi

Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde