Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament is back, and this year’s edition has plenty for MENA fans to cheer for. The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) brings together 16 of the continent’s top national teams, with Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt representing the region. Beyond continental glory, there’s even more on the line, with qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a $1 million prize awaiting the champions. Here’s why these three teams deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Morocco: The Hosts Chasing a Historic First Title
Host nation Morocco enters the tournament as one of the favorites after reaching the final in each of the last two editions. They stunned the continent in 2022 by finishing runners-up to South Africa, then repeated the feat in the 2024 edition before falling to Nigeria in another dramatic final.
This time, the Atlas Lionesses will have home support behind them once again as they look to finally lift the trophy. Drawn into Group A alongside Kenya, Algeria, and Senegal, Morocco begin their campaign against Kenya on July 26 at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Algeria: Ready to Build on Their Best-Ever Run
Algeria heads into WAFCON looking to continue the momentum from their strongest tournament performance yet. Les Verts reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition in 2024.
They’ve been placed in the competitive Group A with hosts Morocco, Kenya, and Senegal, kicking off their campaign against Senegal on July 26. With growing confidence and valuable tournament experience, Algeria will be aiming to take another step forward on the continental stage.
Egypt: Back After a Decade Away
After a decade away from the competition, Egypt is finally back at the Women’s AFCON. The Pharaohs are making their first appearance since 2016 and will be eager to make an immediate statement.
Drawn into Group C alongside powerhouses Nigeria, Zambia, and Malawi, Egypt opens its campaign against Zambia on July 28. While the group presents a tough challenge, simply returning to the tournament marks an important milestone for Egyptian women’s football, and the team will be determined to prove it belongs among Africa’s best.
With three MENA nations competing and World Cup qualification on the line, the 2026 Women’s AFCON promises plenty of exciting storylines. Whether you’re backing Morocco’s title ambitions, Algeria’s continued rise, or Egypt’s long-awaited return, there’s no shortage of regional pride to rally behind this summer.
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