The road to the 2027 World Cup just got steeper for the Super Falcons.
The 2026 WAFCON draw has officially placed defending champions Nigeria on a collision course with Zambia. Held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Thursday, the ceremony outlined the path for 16 nations chasing continental dominance.
This tournament will be unlike any before it.
For the first time in history, the field has expanded from 12 to 16 teams. This shift highlights the explosive growth of women’s football across the continent.
The ‘Group of Death’ Revealed
Competition will be fierce from day one.
Group C has immediately grabbed headlines as the toughest pool in the tournament. It pits ten-time winners Nigeria against a dangerous Zambian squad.
Furthermore, they are joined by a rising Egyptian team and debutants Malawi.
Surviving this group will require flawless execution. The heavyweights must navigate these early battles to keep their title hopes alive in Casablanca.
Complete 2026 WAFCON Draw Breakdown
While Group C draws the spotlight, battles loom across all four pools.
Hosts Morocco headline Group A, while South Africa anchors Group B. The draw also welcomes newcomers Cape Verde, who are making their first appearance on this stage.
Here is how the groups stack up:
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Group A (Rabat): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
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Group B (Rabat): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
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Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
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Group D (Fès): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
High Stakes: The Ticket to Brazil
This tournament offers more than just African bragging rights.
The 2026 championship serves as the primary qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Consequently, the pressure is immense.
Reaching the semi-finals guarantees an automatic spot on the global stage.
However, elimination in the quarter-finals does not mean the end. Losers in that round will proceed to a play-off phase. There, they will fight for a chance to represent Africa in inter-confederation play-offs.
Venues and Dates to Watch
Morocco is hosting the finals for the third consecutive time.
The action kicks off on March 17 and concludes on April 3, 2026. Organizers have selected top-tier facilities across three major cities to handle the expanded format.
- Rabat: Moulay Hassan and Al Madina Stadiums (Groups A & B).
- Casablanca: Larbi Zaouli Stadium (Group C).
- Fès: Host to Group D matches.
With the schedule set and rivals identified, the countdown to kickoff has officially begun.
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