CAF Expands Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 Teams from 2026
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled plans to expand the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the tournament set to feature 16 teams instead of 12 starting from the 2026 edition.
While next year’s tournament in Morocco will proceed with its planned 12-team format, the qualifying structure may require adjustment to accommodate the expansion. The remaining 11 teams will likely compete for four available spots through an additional qualifying round, with specific details pending announcement following CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Kinshasa.
The evolution of WAFCON tells a story of steady growth in women’s football across the continent. Since its inception as an eight-team competition in 1998, the tournament maintained that format until 2018. After a COVID-induced cancellation in 2020, the 2022 edition marked a significant milestone with its expansion to 12 teams, demonstrating enhanced competitive quality and broader fan engagement.
CAF’s commitment to women’s football development is reflected in its increased financial investment. The 2022 tournament in Morocco saw a 45 percent increase in prize money to $3.45 million, with champions Nigeria securing $1 million for their record tenth title victory. The competition also achieved unprecedented attendance and viewership figures.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about the tournament’s trajectory, stating, “I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football.” He emphasized CAF’s commitment to professionalizing women’s football, adding, “Part of my starting point is making sure men and women are paid well and can make a career out of football. I can assure you women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focusing on a lot.”
The expansion to 16 teams represents a significant step forward for women’s football in Africa, creating more opportunities for emerging talent and strengthening the tournament’s competitive landscape. This development aligns with CAF’s broader vision of establishing women’s football as a viable professional career path across the continent.
