The delayed Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 begins Sunday in Morocco, with 16 teams competing for the continental title and qualification spots for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Nigeria aims to defend its title against strong contenders like Ghana, Zambia, and hosts Morocco, featuring top players such as Racheal Kundananji and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Morocco faces a "herculean task" preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, budgeting £4bn-£4.8bn for direct football investments and £17bn for infrastructure upgrades. This accelerated expenditure, equivalent to 11.9% of its 2024 GDP, raises public concerns about costs versus long-term benefits, prompting lessons from past hosts like South Africa.
Several national football teams have seen recent changes in their head coaching positions, with coaches departing due to performance, contract expirations, or mutual agreements. Teams like Tunisia, Portugal, South Korea, Czechia, Scotland, Uruguay, Croatia, Ghana, Germany, Mexico, and the Netherlands have all experienced these transitions.
Several national football teams have seen their head coaches depart following disappointing tournament performances. From Tunisia to Portugal and South Korea, new leadership is being sought after coaches resigned or were dismissed due to results.
A proposal to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams has been rejected by the Confederation of African Football's executive committee. The plan, put forward by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, was voted down due to concerns about its necessity and lack of prior consultation.
Tunisia, under new manager Hervé Renard, suffered a heavy defeat to Japan in the 1,000th World Cup match. Ayase Ueda scored twice as Japan's inspired performance secured a dominant 4-1 victory, effectively ending Tunisia's tournament hopes.
Japan defeated Tunisia 4-1 in a World Cup match, securing their advancement and eliminating Tunisia. Ayase Ueda scored twice for Japan, with Ito adding a third and Ueda completing his brace. Tunisia, under new manager Hervé Renard, showed defensive frailties.
Ghana's football team, despite past dominance, has faced decades of disappointment, marked by managerial instability and recent player eligibility issues. A plan to send fans to the World Cup was also altered due to economic constraints.
Egypt, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, has never won a World Cup match. Star player Mohamed Salah, carrying an injury, aims to lead the Pharaohs to their first victory in their fourth appearance, a feat that would cement his legacy.
Morocco defeated Cameroon 1-0 to reach the U17 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. They will face Senegal, while Egypt plays Tanzania in the other semi-final. All quarter-finalists have qualified for the U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 15 Senegalese fans imprisoned for riots during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The fans returned to Senegal on Sunday, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcoming their return and thanking Moroccan authorities.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has pardoned 15 Senegalese football fans imprisoned for riots during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The fans returned to Senegal Sunday, a move seen as strengthening bilateral ties ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Moroccan King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 15 Senegalese fans imprisoned for riots during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The fans returned to Senegal on Sunday, a gesture of goodwill ahead of Eid al-Adha and to strengthen bilateral ties.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned 15 Senegalese football supporters jailed for violence at the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat. The pardon, granted on "humanitarian grounds" and for "fraternal ties" between the nations, coincides with the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has pardoned 18 Senegalese football supporters jailed for violence at the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat, citing "humanitarian reasons" and "fraternal ties" between the nations on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, 25, has become the only keeper to win CAF's Golden Gloves three consecutive times (2023-2025). The Brighton player, who debuted at the World Cup aged 18, discusses her surprise at the achievement, her role as team DJ, and the WAFCON postponement that frustrated players and fans alike.
