The wait is over as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gets underway on Sunday in Morocco, with Africa’s top women’s national teams battling for continental glory and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The tournament, which runs until August 16, marks a new chapter for women’s football on the continent as 16 nations compete for the title in the largest edition of the competition to date.

Hosts Morocco will launch the tournament against Kenya in the headline fixture of the opening day, while Algeria face Senegal in the first match of the championship.

For Nigeria, the tournament presents an opportunity to reassert their dominance after missing out on the title at the previous edition. The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s team, enter the competition determined to reclaim the trophy and strengthen their reputation as the continent’s football powerhouse.

The expanded format is expected to increase competition, with more nations given the chance to challenge traditional heavyweights such as Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Zambia.

Beyond continental supremacy, the stakes are even higher, with qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil also on the line, making every group-stage match crucial.

As the race for African football’s biggest women’s prize begins, fans across the continent will be watching to see whether the Super Falcons can return to the summit or if a new champion will emerge to usher in a new era.