CAF Expands WAFCON 2024 to 16 Teams: Bigger, Better African Women’s Football Championship

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has expanded the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from 12 to 16 teams.

The expansion will begin from the 2026 edition which will be hosted by Morocco.

12 countries including defending champions Nigeria have already booked their place in the competition.

They have been joined by the four best-ranked teams according to the current FIFA Women’s World Ranking, among those eliminated in the final qualifying round.

The four countries are; Cameroon ( 66th ), Côte d’Ivoire (71st), Mali (79th) and Egypt (95th).

CAF said the expansion reflects its broader vision to strengthen women’s football and promote inclusivity across the continent.

The new format is expected to enhance competitiveness and provide more opportunities for nations to showcase their growth on the African stage.

The WAFCON 2026 finals will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

It will serve as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.