The countdown to the biggest Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in history has taken another significant step after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially opened the media accreditation window for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
CAF announced on Friday that journalists, photographers, broadcasters and other media professionals interested in covering the continental showpiece can now submit their applications through the CAF Media Channel.
The accreditation window opened on 29 May and will remain available until 17 June 2026, with CAF stressing that no late applications will be accepted after the deadline.
CAF has opened the media accreditation window for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, with applications closing on 17 June ahead of the expanded 16-team tournament.
Media representatives have also been advised to ensure that all personal details provided during the application process match those on their passport or official identification documents, warning that incorrect information could lead to applications being rejected.
CAF further clarified that successful accreditation will not be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with all applications subject to review before final confirmation.
The announcement comes as preparations continue for a landmark edition of the competition, which will be staged in Morocco from 25 July to 16 August 2026 following a postponement from its earlier scheduled dates.
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The tournament will be the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to feature 16 teams after CAF approved the expansion of the competition from 12 nations.
The governing body said the decision forms part of its wider strategy to strengthen women’s football across Africa by creating more opportunities for nations to compete at the highest level.
Four additional countries; Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Egypt were added to the finals after CAF adopted a selection mechanism based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings following the completion of the qualification campaign.
Super Falcons of Nigeria 2025 WAFCON champions. Photocedit: CAFOnline
They join hosts Morocco, defending champions Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi and Cape Verde in what is expected to be the most competitive edition of the tournament to date.
The final draw has already produced several intriguing matchups, with record 10-time champions Nigeria drawn alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Group C as the Super Falcons begin their quest to retain the continental crown.
Hosts Morocco headline Group A with Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania make up Group B. Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Final Draw sets the stage for TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026. Photocredit: CAFOnline
Beyond continental glory, the stakes will be even higher in Morocco, with the tournament also serving as a key qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the global tournament, while additional playoff matches will determine Africa’s representatives in the inter-confederation playoffs.
With less than two months remaining before Morocco host what will be a historic edition of AFCON set to feature 16 teams after CAF approved the expansion of the competition from 12 nations.
