FULL LIST: 16 countries chasing WAFCON 2026 glory

The stage is set in Morocco for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a tournament that promises to deliver thrilling football as 16 of Africa's finest national teams battle for continental glory. Beyond the prestigious WAFCON title, the stakes are exceptionally high, with four automatic qualification slots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil up for grabs. This expanded format, featuring 16 teams for the first time, underscores the growing prominence and investment in women's football across the continent. Morocco, as the host nation, is ready to showcase the best of African talent, with matches scheduled across five venues in Rabat and Casablanca from July 26 to August 16. Among the formidable contenders is Zambia's national team, affectionately known as the Copper Queens. Having made history as the first landlocked African nation to qualify for a senior World Cup in 2023, Zambia enters WAFCON 2026 with significant momentum and heightened expectations. The Copper Queens secured their spot in the tournament after a commanding 7-2 aggregate victory over Namibia in the qualifiers, demonstrating both attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Under the guidance of head coach Nora Häuptle, who took charge in 2025, the team has been meticulously preparing, including warm-up friendlies against strong opponents like Algeria. Zambia has been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside continental giants Nigeria, regional rivals Malawi, and Egypt. Their opening fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28th, against Egypt, a crucial match to set the tone for their campaign. The encounter with Nigeria, slated for August 1st, is anticipated to be a highlight of the group stage, testing the Copper Queens' mettle against one of Africa's most decorated teams. With a FIFA ranking of 65th globally and 4th in CAF, Zambia is considered a serious contender, boasting key players like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, whose offensive capabilities are expected to lea