NWSL stars are stepping into the global spotlight, as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations lands in Morocco on Sunday — with World Cup berths on the line.
WAFCON was originally slated for March, but CAF abruptly postponed the continental tournament and moved it outside an official FIFA window.
The 16-team competition’s top four finishers qualify outright for the 2027 World Cup. Two additional teams subsequently advance to an inter-continental playoff.
The tournament features 11 NWSL players across eight teams. The list includes Nigeria’s Gift Monday (Washington) and Michelle Alozie (Chicago), Cote d’Ivoire’s Rosemonde Kouassi (Washington), and Mali’s Aïssata Traoré (Boston).
Two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga makes her WAFCON debut on Tuesday, as Malawi readies for its first-ever finals appearance against reigning champion Nigeria.
Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda and Bay FC’s Rachael Kundananji lead Zambia into Tuesday’s battle with Egypt. The Copper Queens look to avenge last year’s 5-0 quarterfinal loss to Nigeria.
Where to Watch NWSL Stars at WAFCON 2026
WAFCON kicks off Sunday, with select matches streaming live on CAF TV.
