Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: All You Need to Know

The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026, featuring not only the battle for the championship title but also crucial qualification spots for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament.

Tournament Overview

For the third consecutive time, Morocco will host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first country to host the tournament three times in a row. This year’s competition has expanded from 12 to 16 teams, all vying for the title and the chance to qualify for the World Cup. The top four semifinalists will secure spots at the World Cup, with an additional two places available through intercontinental playoffs.

Last-Minute Changes

The road to the Africa Cup 2026 has been tumultuous. The tournament was postponed just days before its originally scheduled start in March, moving to the summer. The communication surrounding the event has been notably last-minute, with ticket sales details only revealed three days before the opening match. This has led to frustration among fans who had to cancel travel plans with little notice, raising concerns about attendance outside of matches featuring the Moroccan team.

Broadcasting Information

The announcement regarding broadcasting rights has also been delayed. Fans in Germany can watch the Africa Cup on DAZN, while highlight videos are expected to be available on YouTube via CAF TV.

Prize Money

In a significant development, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has doubled the prize money for this year’s tournament. The champions will receive $2 million (approximately €1.75 million), up from $1 million, while the runners-up will earn $750,000, an increase from $500,000. Each participating team will receive $150,000 for their participation, which is up from $125,000. The total prize pool has grown from $3.475 million to $5.8 million, a 67% increase. In comparison, the UEFA Euro 2025 in Switzerland will distribute a total of €41 million.

Despite these increases, the disparity with the men’s tournament remains stark, as the men’s Africa Cup in Morocco awarded $10 million to the winners, part of a total prize pool of around $32 million.

Tournament Rescheduling

Originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026, the tournament was postponed on March 5, just 12 days before kickoff. The CAF cited