WAFCON 2026: The shift of a new era in African football and the representation it is providing

WAFCON 2026: The shift of a new era in African football and the representation it is providing There is something different about this Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026). Not because of the packed stadiums, not because of the goals. Not even because of the quality of football — although that has continued to improve with every edition. This tournament feels different because, perhaps for the first time, reputation alone is no longer enough. For years, conversations around African women’s football started and ended with a familiar list of nations. Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon, Ghana. They were predicted to dominate, while everyone else was merely expected to participate. WAFCON 2026 has quietly challenged that assumption. WAFCON is entering a new era This tournament has reminded us that African women’s football has entered a new era. One where investment, opportunity and belief are beginning to level the playing field. Many expected the traditional heavyweights to progress comfortably. Instead, this tournament has produced twists that have forced the continent to pay attention. Established teams have had to fight for every point, while emerging nations have shown they are no longer satisfied with simply making up the numbers. That is not a sign that the giants are falling, it is a sign that everyone else is rising. For years, we have spoken about closing the gap in women’s football across Africa. Perhaps the gap has not disappeared, but it is certainly smaller than many imagined. The evidence is everywhere. Players who once had limited opportunities are now competing professionally across Europe and beyond. Coaches are gaining international experience and federations that once struggled to prioritise women’s football are beginning to recognise its value. Progress has been slow, but it has been real. Embed from Getty Images Representation matters at WAFCON Watching this WAFCON, I keep thinking about the girls chasing a ball on dusty pitches far away from television cameras. The girl in Ga-Mphahlele   in South Africa, Ntoaboma in Ghana, and Amagunze in Nigeria. Girls in Bweranyangi in Uganda, Mbalmayo in Cameroon, and Tiznit in Morocco. The girl whose football boots have been stitched together more than once. Who walks kilometres to training because there is no transport. The girl who has never watched a match from inside a stadium but never misses one on a neighbour’s television. She is watching this tournament too. She is watching women who look like her, sound like her and understand the obstacles she faces. Representation has always mattered, but belief might matter even more. When emerging nations compete without fear, when every match feels unpredictable and every point must be earned, young girls begin to understand that history is not fixed. It can be rewritten. The legacy of WAFCON 2026 Women’s football across Africa has often been judged by what it lacks. Not enough funding, facilities and visibility. Those conversations remain important because the challenges are real. Yet, WAFCON 2026 has revealed something equally important — resilience, growth, depth and ambition. This tournament has become a reminder that talent has never belonged only to the continent’s biggest football nations. It has always existed in villages, townships and rural communities where opportunity has been scarce but dreams have remained stubbornly alive. As journalists, supporters and stakeholders, we often celebrate champions. This year, we should also celebrate competitiveness .Because competitive tournaments create better football. Better football creates bigger audiences. Bigger audiences attract investment. Investment creates opportunity, and opportunity changes lives. As WAFCON moves towards its conclusion, one team will lift the trophy. But long after the medals have been handed out, another victory will remain. Across Africa, girls from villages, townships and forgotten communities will believe that the journey from a dusty field to the biggest stage in African football is no longer impossible. That may be WAFCON 2026’s greatest legacy. Football is at its most powerful when it creates opportunity. WAFCON 2026 is not only crowning a champion, it is reminding every girl, no matter how small her village, that her dream belongs on Africa’s biggest stage too. Related articles from Her Football Hub: WAFCON: Rui Costa is the architect behind Cape Verde’s meteoric rise Cape Verde’s diaspora takes centre stage at WAFCON 2026 CAF invests in efforts to improve leadership of women’s football associations across Africa