Cameroon capped a historic WAFCON 2026 campaign by brushing aside surprise finalists Malawi 3-0 in Rabat to win their first-ever title. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the expanded 16-team tournament as a "huge success" after both countries sealed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cameroon win first WAFCON crown
Cameroon completed a memorable run by beating shock finalists Malawi 3-0 in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 final. The Indomitable Lionesses delivered a clinical first-half performance at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat to claim their maiden continental championship.
Marie Ngah Manga struck twice, with a Naomi Eto goal in between, as Cameroon put the contest beyond reach before half-time. The win rounded off an extraordinary tournament that underlined the fast rise of women’s football in Africa.
Infantino hails landmark tournament
Infantino was present for the final in Morocco and applauded the expanded 16-team competition. He also praised CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan Football Association president Fouzi Lekjaa for staging a landmark event.
"The African Cup of Nations, organised by CAF and by Morocco, was a huge, huge success. Congratulations to CAF, to Morocco, to all the teams, to all the fantastic fans," Infantino said on the FIFA website.
"A big thanks to the Confederation of African Football, led by President Patrice Motsepe, the Moroccan Football Association, led by President Fouzi Lekjaa, and all the wonderful people of Morocco for organising this fantastic tournament that shone a spotlight on women's footbal."
Underdogs reshape the continental pecking order
Cameroon’s title follows three previous runners-up finishes in 2004, 2014 and 2016. Ranked 71st in the FIFA standings, the Lionesses came through a demanding knockout path by beating heavyweights Nigeria and hosts Morocco before overpowering Malawi.
Malawi produced the most uplifting story of the tournament on their continental debut. Ranked 151st in the world, the Scorchers were driven by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. They shocked Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match before knocking out Ghana and Algeria in the knockout rounds.
The competition significantly disrupted the traditional hierarchy in African women’s football. Ten-time champions Nigeria did not make the semi-finals and will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
"Congratulations to Cameroon on winning the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and giving great joy to your beautiful, football-loving nation with this historic first triumph," Infantino said.
Speaking about Malawi, Infantino said: "They made not just the country dream, but everyone that loves football. You have plenty to be proud of."
Focus now turns to Brazil 2027
The tournament also served as Africa’s qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. Automatic places were taken by the final four teams - Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi and Morocco - with Algeria and Malawi set for their first appearances in the tournament.
South Africa and Ghana also registered vital wins in play-in matches. Both teams have progressed to the Preliminary Phase Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament.
That important play-off draw is scheduled for Thursday, 20 August 2026 in Zurich, Switzerland. The qualified nations will now begin their long-term build-up for next year’s global showpiece in South America.
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