All you need to know about Wafcon 2026

All you need to know about Wafcon 2026Image source, Backpage PixImage caption, Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in Rabat last JulyPublished21 minutes agoThe delayed 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations - also known as Wafcon - is finally ready for kick-off, with Morocco staging a third successive finals.Originally scheduled to be held from 17 March to 3 April, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) postponed the tournament just 12 days before it was due to start.This year's Wafcon, which comes only 12 months after the delayed 2024 edition, now begins on Sunday, 26 July when Algeria face Senegal in the opening game in Rabat (17:00 GMT).Caf cited "unforeseen circumstances" for the delay, but the late change has afforded more time for the newly expanded 16-team tournament, which will feature 34 matches and culminates in the final on Sunday, 16 August.This year's Wafcon is all the more important because it doubles up as a qualifier for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup, with all four semi-finalists securing a ticket for Brazil.The four losing quarter-finalists will play off for two spots at an intercontinental qualifier.So what are the key fixtures? What is the format? Where are matches being played and when do they kick off?BBC Sport Africa provides you with all the key information about the 14th edition of Africa's biggest women's football event.What are the groups?The 16 teams have been split into four groups of four.Hosts Morocco have a North African derby against rivals Algeria in Group A as well as games against Senegal and Kenya, who return 10 years after making their only previous appearance.Holders Nigeria, who are bidding for a record-extending 11th title after beating Morocco in last year's final, were placed in Group C alongside Zambia, the highest-ranked side in pot two in the draw, Egypt and debutants Malawi.South Africa, winners in 2022, take on Ivory Coast, Burk...