The 16th edition of the WAFCON will be held in the North African nation for the third consecutive tournament, becoming the first country to achieve this feat. Venues in Casablanca, Fez and Rabat will be used for the tournament.
Despite originally being planned to be a 12-team tournament, CAF decided to expand the tournament to 16 teams after qualification ended.
Qualification took place between February and October 2025 to decide who qualified, while hosts Morocco qualified automatically.
Cape Verde and Malawi will make their debuts in the tournament that will double as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams will qualify for the World Cup, and two more teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Knowing what is at stake, Kenya, under coach Beldine Odemba, have already pitched camp in the Ivory Coast. The team departed on February 28th for Abidjan, where they played their first friendly - a 2-0 defeat against Benin on Monday.
Kenya’s next friendly will be against Ivory Coast on March 4th at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe. After the two fixtures, Harambee Starlets will travel to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp that will run until March 15th, before heading to Morocco for the continental tournament.
According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the France camp will allow the team to focus on tactical refinement, recovery, and team cohesion in the final stretch of preparation.
Kenya have chance to rewrite history
Ahead of the team’s departure, Odemba stressed the importance of Starlets getting past the group stages of the tournament for the first time in their history. Kenya have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba. “Preparation is everything. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”
Odemba added: “The goal is to build on our 2016 performance. With a mix of young talent and experience, we have a real chance to rewrite history.”
During the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, Kenya were drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Kenya’s first match saw them lose 3-1 against the Black Queens, before they lost matchday two 3-1 against Mali.
The third group match against the Super Falcons saw Kenya humiliated 4-0 to exit the stage without winning a game. However, despite the performance, Odemba is beaming with confidence that Kenya have grown in stature since the edition and have what it takes to go far.
“We have been at this stage before, and we know what we need to do,” added Odemba. “We have set the target of winning our matches, and we want to progress past the group stage.”
Kenya going to compete, not to participate
Starlets’ striker Mwanalima Adam echoed Odemba’s sentiments, insisting they have a good chance to make history in Morocco.
“We’re not just going to participate; we’re going to compete, and our target is to attain qualification for the World Cup. Our group is challenging, but everything is manageable,” said Adams.
“Football is unpredictable; there are no underdogs anymore. We’ve played Morocco and Algeria in friendlies and understand their style. They should be worried about us, too.”
Adam, who missed the 2016 WAFCON, concluded: “I’ve been waiting for this tournament. I’ll give my all so I have no regrets; it’s my time to shine. A win will demonstrate our country’s football growth.”
The 2026 edition will run from March 17th to April 3rd. Kenya will open their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17th. The Starlets will then face Senegal on March 20th before concluding the group stage against Algeria on March 23rd.
Nigeria are the defending champions after beating Morocco 3-2 in the 2024 final in Rabat.
Kenya squad for 2026 WAFCON;
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi
Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele
Forwards: Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shaylene Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, and Eglay Mukhwana
