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.
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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.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/womens-africa-cup-of-nations-2026-football-new-era-new-champion
