The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations group stage is set, delivering a high-stakes North African derby. Hosts Morocco will face Algeria in Group A, alongside Senegal and Kenya. Defending champions Nigeria, who beat Morocco in last year's final, are in Group C with Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi. South Africa, the 2022 winners, headline Group B.

The Confederation of African Football expanded the tournament to 16 teams mid-qualification. This allowed Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt to progress via world ranking after losing their second-round ties. The finals, held just eight months after the 2024 edition, will offer four 2027 World Cup spots, with a play-off for the losing quarter-finalists.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has pledged to increase prize money and player salaries, aiming to close the gap with the men's game. Nigeria received $1m for their 2024 victory, while the men's 2025 champion will get $10m. The tournament runs March 17 to April 3, with matches split between Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes.