COMPLETE ROSTER: 16 Nations Vie for Top Honors at WAFCON 2026

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has kicked off in Morocco, with 16 teams vying for continental supremacy and a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as ESPN Africa released its rankings on Friday, evaluating each team's prospects ahead of the tournament.

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The rankings reveal the strongest title contenders, with Nigeria 🇳🇬 emerging as the team to beat, boasting a deep squad, a winning mentality, and an unmatched pedigree as defending champions and record 10-time winners.

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Anything less than an 11th title would be considered a disappointment for Nigeria, given their impressive track record and current form, which makes them the favorite to win the tournament.

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Host nation Morocco 🇲🇦 is ranked second, with quality, momentum, and strong home support on their side, led by African Women’s Footballer of the Year Ghizlane Chebbak, who will spearhead their title challenge.

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Morocco's home advantage and talented squad make them a serious contender for the title, and they are expected to put up a strong fight in the tournament.

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South Africa 🇿🇦 is ranked third, with a balanced squad and experienced coach Desiree Ellis, who will look to guide the team to victory, and the return of Thembi Kgatlana adds firepower to their attack.

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Banyana Banyana remain one of Africa's elite teams, and with their current squad, they have the potential to go all the way in the tournament and claim the top prize.

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Ghana 🇬🇭 is ranked fourth, having rediscovered their rhythm under Kim Bjorkegren, with a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents making them one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.

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The Black Queens have the quality and depth to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially cause some upsets along the way.

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Zambia 🇿🇲 is ranked fifth, possessing one of Africa's most dangerous attacks, with stars like Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, although defensive concerns remain, which could impact their progress.

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Despite their defensive worries, Zambia has enough quality to make another deep run in the tournament and potentially challenge for the title.

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Senegal 🇸🇳 is ranked sixth, having impressed at the previous tournament, and they remain difficult opponents, with an experienced squad and a direct style that could trouble any team in Morocco.

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Their experienced squad and tactical approach make them a team to watch in the tournament, and they could potentially cause some surprises.

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Algeria 🇩🇿 is ranked seventh, continuing to improve under Farid Benstiti, with a disciplined defence and tactical organisation making them one of the tournament's dark horses.

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Their defensive solidity and tactical acumen make Algeria a team that could potentially make a deep run in the tournament and challenge the stronger teams.

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Cameroon 🇨🇲 is ranked eighth, although they are no longer the powerhouse they once were, the Indomitable Lionesses remain competitive and experienced enough to surprise stronger opponents.

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With their current squad, Cameroon has the potential to cause some upsets and make a decent run in the tournament, despite not being one of the favorites.

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Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 is ranked ninth, returning to WAFCON after 12 years, and they arrive with confidence, athleticism, and attacking quality, which could make them one of the tournament's surprise packages.

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Their return to the tournament is a significant one, and they have the potential to make a big impact and potentially challenge for a knockout-stage place.

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Mali 🇲🇱 is ranked 10th, despite poor recent form, they possess enough individual quality and European-based talent to compete for a knockout-stage place.

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With their current squad, Mali has the potential to make a decent run in the tournament, although they will need to improve their form to achieve their goals.

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Egypt 🇪🇬 is ranked 11th, back at WAFCON after a decade away, and they are still rebuilding, but have shown signs of progress, and escaping the group stage would represent a positive campaign.

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Their return to the tournament is a step in the right direction, and they will look to build on their progress and make a decent impression in Morocco.

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Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 is ranked 12th, having secured qualification comfortably, and they have developed into a well-organised side, although they may struggle against Africa's strongest teams.

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With their current squad, Burkina Faso has the potential to make a decent run in the tournament, although they will face tough opposition in the stronger teams.

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Cape Verde 🇨🇻 is ranked 13th, making their tournament debut, and they have already exceeded expectations by qualifying, with an attacking spirit that could produce a few surprises despite limited experience.

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Their debut in the tournament is a significant one, and they will look to make a big impact and potentially cause some surprises along the way.

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Tanzania 🇹🇿 is ranked 14th, disciplined and difficult to break down, but they lack the star quality needed to compete consistently against the tournament's heavyweights.

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With their current squad, Tanzania has the potential to make a decent run in the tournament, although they will struggle against the stronger teams.

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Malawi 🇲🇼 is ranked 15th, with the Chawinga sisters giving them a genuine attacking threat, but the tournament newcomers face a daunting group and lack squad depth.

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Their debut in the tournament is a challenging one, and they will need to be at their best to make a decent impression and potentially cause some surprises.

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Kenya 🇰🇪 is ranked 16th, back at WAFCON after a 10-year absence, and their return is a major achievement, although limited experience at this level makes them the tournament's biggest underdogs.

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Despite being the underdogs, Kenya will look to make a decent run in the tournament and potentially cause some surprises, although they face a tough challenge ahead.