The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has already delivered the kind of drama that defines major tournaments, with defending champions tested, emerging teams making historic statements and unforgettable stories unfolding both on and off the pitch.
Morocco has provided the stage for a new chapter in African women’s football, with the expanded tournament bringing together 16 nations and showcasing the rapid rise of the women’s game across the continent.
The biggest headline so far came from Malawi, who produced one of the tournament’s greatest shocks by defeating reigning champions Nigeria 3–2. The victory showed how quickly the competitive landscape of African women’s football is changing, with teams once considered outsiders now capable of challenging the continent’s traditional giants.
At the centre of Malawi’s success were sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, whose attacking quality has made them among the most recognised African footballers on the international stage. Their performance represented more than just a victory, it reflected the growing influence of African players competing at the highest levels of the sport.
While Malawi created one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, Zambia reminded everyone of their ambitions with a dominant 6–0 win over Egypt. The Copper Queens, who have become one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams, combined pace, creativity and finishing ability to announce themselves as serious contenders for the trophy.
Another major upset came when Tanzania defeated 2022 champions South Africa 2–1. The result highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the tournament, where nations with developing women’s football programmes are closing the gap against established powers.
Hosts Morocco have also embraced the pressure of playing in front of home supporters. The Atlas Lionesses opened their campaign with a convincing 4–0 victory over Kenya, continuing the momentum created by their historic performances in recent years and strengthening hopes of a first WAFCON title.
Beyond the football itself, WAFCON 2026 has produced powerful personal stories. One of the most unique moments of the tournament has been the presence of a married couple connected to the competition, creating a rare football story where family and international sport meet on the same stage. Their journey has added an emotional dimension to a tournament already filled with national pride and personal sacrifice.
The tournament has also shown the changing face of African women’s football. Players are arriving with more international experience, domestic leagues are improving, and supporters are increasingly embracing the women’s game as a major sporting attraction.
For decades, Nigeria dominated African women’s football, while South Africa, Morocco and Zambia have emerged as powerful challengers in recent years. WAFCON 2026 suggests the continent now has a much wider group of teams capable of competing for the title.
With the knockout stages approaching, the race for the trophy remains unpredictable. The champions of Africa will not only lift a continental title but will also represent the continued growth, ambition and talent driving women’s football across the continent.
