Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Mali have qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) used FIFA world rankings to select the final four teams.
CAF decided to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 teams. This change happened during the qualifying stages for next year’s event in Morocco.
The new format allows more African nations to take part in the competition. It also helps promote women’s football across the continent.
Nigeria, the defending champions, qualified directly in the second round. Eleven other countries also secured their spots through the normal qualification process.
Some teams that lost in the second round hoped for another chance through play-offs. However, CAF chose not to organize any additional matches.
Instead, CAF used the FIFA world rankings to complete the line-up. The top four losing teams from the final qualifying round were selected.
Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt were the highest-ranked among the eliminated teams. This decision gave them automatic entry into the 2026 tournament.
Cameroon are ranked 66th in the world. They are three-time WAFCON runners-up and will make a strong return after missing the 2024 edition.
Ivory Coast are ranked 71st globally. They last played in the tournament in 2014 and are eager to make a comeback.
Mali are ranked 79th in the world. They reached the quarter-finals in 2024 but could not progress further.
Egypt are ranked 95th globally. They last featured in WAFCON in 2016 and now return to the continental stage.
The 2026 WAFCON will take place in Morocco. CAF has not yet announced the official dates for the event.
FIFA has suggested that the tournament should run from 17 March to 3 April 2026. Football fans across Africa are waiting for CAF to confirm the final schedule.
The competition will be more exciting with 16 teams taking part. This expansion gives smaller nations a chance to show their talent.
The top four teams from WAFCON 2026 will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The quarter-final losers will play in another round for two more qualification spots.
This new system will give more countries a chance to compete at global level. It will also improve the standard of women’s football in Africa.
CAF’s decision to use world rankings has brought fairness to the qualification process. It rewards countries that have worked hard to maintain strong performances.
The return of Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Mali will make the tournament stronger. Fans are excited to see these nations compete again on the big stage.
The 2026 WAFCON promises thrilling matches and new stars. It will be another celebration of women’s football in Africa.
SOURCE : ADOMONLINE.COM
