Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda has named his 26-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the Atlas Lionesses aiming to finally lift the continental title on home soil. Hosts Morocco will welcome Africa’s best teams from July 26 to August 16, with the final set to take place in Rabat. After finishing runners-up in the last two editions, also held at home, the Atlas Lionesses are determined to go one step further.
Vilda has retained the core of his experienced squad, led by 2025 African Women’s Player of the Year Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout and prolific striker Ibtissam Jraidi, who has scored five goals in six international appearances in 2026.
Barcelona teenager earns first WAFCON call
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of 18-year-old Barcelona forward Kautar Azraf, who is set to make her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debut after earning her first senior call-up earlier this year.
Defender Hajar Said (Paris FC), Jade Nassi (Le Havre), as well as experienced duo Chaimaa Mourtaji and Maryame Atiq also return to the squad.
Meanwhile, Hind Hasnaoui, Sabah Seghir, Salma Bouguerch, Anissa Lahmari, Sarah Kassi, Méné El Ghazouani and Kenza Chapelle have all been left out compared to the squad that reached last year’s final.
Tough Group A challenge
Morocco have been drawn in a competitive Group A alongside Kenya, Algeria and Senegal.
The Atlas Lionesses will open their campaign against Kenya on July 26 before facing regional rivals Algeria on July 30 and Senegal on August 3. All three matches will be played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco head into the tournament unbeaten in 2026, having recorded five wins and three draws in their friendly matches. Their preparations included a 4-2 victory over Benin before a goalless draw against New Zealand in June.
With an experienced squad and home support behind them, the Atlas Lionesses will be hoping the third time proves lucky as they chase a first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
