5 Things Every Fan Should Know As Super Falcons Chase Historic 11th Title

• The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has officially kicked off in Morocco with a historic expansion to 16 teams, making it the biggest edition in the tournament’s history and introducing new contenders to Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin their title defence as the continent’s most successful team, aiming to secure a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown while maintaining their dominance in African women’s football.

• Beyond the continental title, WAFCON 2026 also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with CAF offering a record $5.8 million prize pool to further boost the growth of the women’s game.

July 28, (THEWILL) — Africa’s Biggest Women’s Football Tournament Is Finally Here

The wait is over as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially gets underway in Morocco, bringing together the continent’s finest women’s national teams for another thrilling battle for African supremacy.

As defending Champions and the most successful side in the tournament’s history, Nigeria’s Super Falcons once again enter the competition carrying the weight of expectation. With a record-extending 11th continental title on the line, the Falcons know every match will be closely watched by rivals determined to end their reign.

Here are five key things every football fan should know as WAFCON 2026 begins.

5. WAFCON Has Expanded to 16 Teams for the First Time

This year’s tournament is the biggest ever after CAF increased the number of participating nations from 12 to 16.

The competition, running from July 26 to August 16 across Rabat and Casablanca, welcomes debutants Malawi and Cape Verde, giving more nations the opportunity to compete on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage while adding fresh excitement to the tournament.

4. World Cup Qualification Is Also at Stake
There is far more than continental glory to play for in Morocco.

WAFCON 2026 doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while the four losing quarter-finalists will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for another chance to reach the global showpiece.

Every group-stage match could therefore prove crucial.

3. Nigeria Are Chasing an Unprecedented 11th Title
No nation has dominated African women’s football quite like Nigeria.

The Super Falcons have lifted the WAFCON trophy 10 times and arrive in Morocco as defending Champions after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s dramatic final.

Head coach Justine Madugu will be looking to combine experienced stars with emerging talents as Nigeria seeks to extend its remarkable legacy.

2. CAF Has Introduced Record Prize Money
The financial rewards on offer have reached new heights.

CAF has increased the total prize fund to $5.8 million, with the eventual Champions set to receive a record $2 million.

The increased investment reflects the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa and highlights the governing body’s commitment to raising the profile of the competition.

1. Nigeria Face Malawi in Their Opening Match
The Super Falcons begin their title defence against tournament debutants Malawi before taking on a dangerous Zambia side and an improving Egypt team in the remaining group fixtures.

A positive start will be crucial as Nigeria looks to build momentum early and remind the rest of the continent why it remains the team to beat.

With a larger field, record prize money, World Cup qualification places up for grabs and Nigeria pursuing another piece of football history, WAFCON 2026 promises to be one of the most competitive editions ever staged.

For the Super Falcons, however, the mission is simple: retain their crown, extend their dominance, and return home with a record-breaking 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.