Arabic version: انطلاق كأس أمم أفريقيا للسيدات 2026 في المغرب

According to BBC News, the delayed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will begin in Morocco on Sunday, 26 July, when Algeria face Senegal in Rabat at 17:00 GMT. The 16-team tournament, postponed from its original 17 March to 3 April dates, will conclude with the final on 16 August.

The competition will feature 34 matches and also acts as a route to the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All four semi-finalists will qualify, while the four losing quarter-finalists will contest play-offs for two places at an intercontinental qualifier.

Hosts Morocco are in Group A with Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Holders Nigeria, seeking a record-extending 11th title, face Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi in Group C. South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania make up Group B, while Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and first-timers Cape Verde are in Group D.

Nigeria return as holders and Africa’s top-ranked side, under coach Justin Madugu. Morocco have finished runners-up at the past two editions and are coached by Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title. South Africa, Ghana and Zambia are also listed among the likely contenders.

Matches will be staged at five grounds across Rabat and Casablanca. The quarter-finals are scheduled for 8 and 9 August, the semi-finals for 12 August, and the final for 19:00 GMT on 16 August. The final venue has yet to be confirmed, with Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium or Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium under consideration.