New champion crowned at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco; first-time champion guaranteed

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: A new era and a new champion for women’s football in Africa

A new name will be engraved on the WAFCON trophy for just the fourth time in the competition’s history, when the final is played on the 16th of August.

Africa is home to some of the most exciting talent in women’s football. Over the last three weeks, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 has demonstrated as such.

As a whole, the tournament has been on the up for years now amidst Nigeria’s continued dominance, though this edition has been a real turning of the tide. Favourites have fallen earlier than anticipated, while debutants have soared.

This feels less like a one-off shock and more like a continental shift, where nations are reaping the rewards of continued investment and – perhaps more importantly – player exposure, with some of Africa’s brightest shining across the world.

It has been a revelation in Morocco, one where reputation no longer guarantees safe passage. Teams have seized the opportunity to compete in this competition, which expanded from 12 participants to 16 this year, introducing themselves on one of the biggest stages within the sport.

As a historic penultimate round of knockout matches approaches, Olympics.com takes a look at why this tournament could be the catalyst for a new chapter of the women’s game on the continent.

WAFCON 2026: Race for the Golden Boot – full list

Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga: Meet the Malawi sisters at WAFCON 2026

WAFCON 2026: A new champion guaranteed

While the winner of this edition is yet to be known, one thing is for certain: it will be a nation that has never done so before. Quarter-final exits for both South Africa and Nigeria, two of only three winners in competition history, has ensured that a new name will be engraved on the trophy.

That is a clear indication that things are changing in Africa when it comes to women’s football. The game is evolving and so too are nations. Morocco, who are into the last four for a third consecutive cycle, are a direct example of what continued investment can achieve even in such a short timeframe.

Three-time hosts, the Atlas Lionesses ’ transformation over the years has seen them go from small crowds to sold-out stadiums and working with their grassroots players to create a clear pathway from youth to senior sides.

Cameroon are a side that have returned to their roots. At risk of being left behind when they exited in the last eight four years ago – their earliest ever – and then failing to qualify in the following, The Indomitable Lionesses have reclaimed their place in the top four.

Teams that rise from nothing, who put in the work and the money to come to the front, often receive the praise – but Cameroon are a different example of how this sport is evolving. A side who could have fallen wayward despite previous success, now turning their fortunes around with a comeback. It isn’t just newcomers getting their chance, but former giants afforded the opportunity to bounce back too.

Malawi and Algeria, who face off in the semi-final, are both in uncharted territory. The latter made history last time out when they reached the quarter-final for the first time, familiarising themselves with knockout football on this stage.

When it comes to debutants Malawi, competing at their first WAFCON, this is the direct result of expanding the tournament to welcome more teams. A side full of talent, including two global household sisters up top, all the Scorchers needed was a stage to showcase what they are capable of.

It has a knock-on effect, too, with these four nations qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup – Morocco headed to their second, Cameroon their third, and Malawi and Algeria a year out from their maiden appearance.

Tournament expansions can often come with the worry of losing its competitive edge - something this edition of WAFCON has comfortably put to bed. As long as opportunity and investment is there, so is competitiveness.

Tabitha & Temwa Chawinga playing together in Sweden.

WAFCON 2026: From Africa to the world

One of the things that underpinned Nigeria’s ten-title reign was player exposure. Their squad has, over the years, been built with those who have spread their wings and garnered experience abroad, something that was integral to their success.

It helped develop tactical efficiency, allowed them to work with coaches who specialised in different approaches, settle into new environments and forced them to live outside of their comfort zone.

What followed was ten WAFCON titles and an almost impenetrable dynasty. Though, as is so often seen in life and in sport, eras come to an end – something the Super Falcons could be facing down the barrel of right now.

The blueprint that has served them so well is something other nations have now adopted. Malawi alone have two of the most recognised names in the sport right now – sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

The former is playing for French giants OL Lyonnes, competing in the Champions League and winning titles. The latter is rewriting the history books in North America, setting NWSL records. While several of their squad are based in Malawi, they have players competing in Sweden and Morocco, among others.

Morocco have players playing domestically in France, Spain, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. 11 of their 26-player squad play abroad. 22 of Algeria’s 26 also play outside of their homeland, many spending this phase of their career in France. 19 of Cameroon’s selected stars for this tournament also play in different environments.

Exposure to different leagues, players and environments has been imperative for these sides to grow and develop. It has ultimately raised the level of their game significantly with that experience feeding directly back into national teams.

The gap between teams has narrowed and the field has strengthened. History beckons for one of these sides and, equally as important, for women’s football in Africa.

Picture by 2026 Getty Images

Picture by tabitha.chawinga on Instagram

26 July - 16 August

Football | Women’s Africa Cup of Nations | Morocco | Morocco