The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will expand from 12 to 16 teams starting with the 2026 edition, The PUNCH reports.

Next year’s tournament in Morocco was initially set to feature 12 nations, with qualifying already in its second and final round. However, following the expansion, CAF is expected to introduce an additional qualifying round, with 11 teams now set to compete for four remaining spots.

Further details are expected after CAF’s Executive Committee meeting currently underway in Kinshasa.

WAFCON debuted as an eight-team competition in 1998 and retained that format until 2018 in Ghana. The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2022 with 12 participating nations.

CAF has also ramped up investment in women’s football, increasing the prize fund for the last edition in Morocco by 45% to $3.45 million. Tournament winners Nigeria received $1 million after lifting a record 10th title.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of women’s football on the continent, reaffirming his commitment to its continued development.

“I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,” Motsepe said. “My focus has always been ensuring that both men and women are well-paid and can build sustainable careers in football. Women’s football will continue to improve because it remains one of our key priorities.”