Women's AFCON 2026 Kicks Off in Morocco — Hosts Face Kenya in Opener

The new edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 kicks off on 26 July in Morocco, hosting the tournament for the third consecutive time, welcoming 16 national teams for the first time in the competition's history, up from 12 previously. The tournament runs until 16 August across five stadiums split between Rabat and Casablanca. The Atlas Lionesses open their campaign against Kenya at Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with kick-off set for 9pm local time, while the second Group A fixture pits Algeria against Senegal at Rabat's Olympic Stadium at 6pm. The 16 teams will compete across four groups for the continental title and a record $2 million prize fund, with the four semi-finalists earning direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, making every knockout-stage match a decisive step on the road to the world's biggest stage in women's football.