CAF expands Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams

In a major boost for women’s football on the continent, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand from 12 to 16 participating teams starting with the 2026 edition.

The upcoming 2025 tournament in Morocco was initially scheduled to feature 12 nations, with the qualifiers already in their second and final round. However, CAF’s latest decision marks a significant step toward increasing participation and competitiveness across Africa.

With the expansion, an additional qualifying round may be introduced to accommodate the new format. Eleven teams are expected to battle for the four remaining slots, ensuring a wider representation of nations in the continental showpiece.

Further details are expected after CAF’s executive committee meeting, currently taking place in Kinshasa.

WAFCON began as an eight-team tournament in 1998 and maintained that format until the 2018 edition in Ghana.

The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before the competition returned with 12 teams in 2022.

CAF has increased investment in women’s football across the continent, with the prize fund for the most recent edition in Morocco rising by 45 per cent to $3.45m.

Champions Nigeria received $1m after claiming a record 10th title.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the growth of the women’s game in Africa, saying he remains committed to its continued development.

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,” Motsepe said.

“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.”