WAFCON 2026 draw set for Rabat as CAF confirms 16-team expansion
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the final draw for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 will take place in Rabat on January 15, marking a landmark moment for the competition.
The draw, scheduled for 2 pm local time, will be accompanied by the announcement of the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year and Club of the Year awards. The ceremony adds further significance to a day that will shape the future of women’s football on the continent.
Context underlines the importance of this edition. For the first time, WAFCON will feature 16 teams, doubling the field and offering greater representation across Africa. Hosts Morocco will be joined by Nigeria, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The expanded format reflects the rapid growth of the women’s game and the rising competitiveness across the continent.
The flow of the event in Rabat will combine anticipation and celebration. Coaches, players and officials will gather to learn their group-stage fate, while the awards will recognise excellence from the past season. The atmosphere is expected to be charged with excitement, particularly as several nations prepare for their first appearance in the expanded tournament.
Key incidents leading up to the draw include the postponement of the awards originally scheduled for November 2025. CAF delayed the ceremony to allow the Women’s Champions League season to conclude, ensuring that performances across all competitions were fairly assessed. Voting has since reopened, with media, coaches and captains playing a decisive role in selecting the winners.
The goals of the day extend beyond the draw itself. Recognition of coaches, clubs and players will highlight the strides made in women’s football, while the expanded tournament format promises more opportunities for emerging nations to challenge established powers.
The second half of the build-up has focused on logistics and transparency. CAF has emphasised its role as coordinator rather than participant in the voting process, reinforcing credibility in the awards. The Technical Committee will also contribute to the selection of the Club of the Year, ensuring a balanced evaluation.
Late drama could come in the form of unexpected group pairings. With heavyweights such as Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon in the mix, the draw may produce early clashes that set the tone for the tournament.
Closing the announcement, WAFCON 2026 stands as a milestone for African women’s football. The expanded format, combined with the recognition of outstanding figures in the game, signals a new era of growth and ambition. For the 16 nations involved, January 15 in Rabat will mark the beginning of a journey toward continental glory.