Casablanca – FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed Morocco for successfully hosting the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, describing the tournament as a major success and highlighting its contribution to the visibility of women’s football.
Infantino congratulated Morocco, CAF, the participating teams and the supporters for delivering what he described as a standout edition of the continental tournament.
He specifically thanked CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, alongside Moroccans involved in staging the competition.
The 2026 edition was the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, adding to Morocco’s growing reputation for hosting major football events. The tournament also doubled as Africa’s qualification competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
A landmark edition in Morocco
The tournament ended with Cameroon claiming their first-ever WAFCON title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat.
Infantino congratulated Cameroon on their historic triumph, saying the victory had brought “great joy” to a football-loving nation.
Malawi, meanwhile, reached the final in their first appearance at the tournament, producing a remarkable run despite entering the competition ranked 151st in the world. Their journey included victories over Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria.
Infantino commended the Malawian players for inspiring their country and football fans beyond Africa, telling them: “You have a lot to be proud of.”
World Cup places confirmed
The tournament also determined Africa’s qualification picture for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Morocco, Cameroon, Malawi and Algeria secured direct qualification, while South Africa and Ghana advanced to the preliminary stage of the World Cup playoff pathway.
For Morocco, the tournament was another major opportunity to showcase the country’s growing infrastructure and organizational capacity in women’s football, with Infantino’s praise adding international recognition to the successful hosting effort.
