WAFCON 2026: Morocco’s Rise Puts South Africa on High Alert

During a press conference reported by ESPN, Desiree Ellis admitted that dethroning or even challenging Morocco on home soil will be more difficult than in previous editions. Morocco is hosting the event for the third consecutive time.

• Professionalization: The country now has a structured professional league across two levels.

• Resources: The South African coach referred to “virtually unlimited” financial support, enabling Moroccan women’s football to develop at a breathtaking pace.

• Performance: Unfortunate finalists in 2022 and 2025, Morocco is considered the leading favorite for this 2026 edition.

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Faced with Morocco’s financial power, South Africa (Banyana Banyana) is relying on the integration of young talents to ensure its renewal.

“We must consider other innovative ways… and that means regularly integrating these young players so they understand what it is about,” Ellis explained to ESPN.

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Although South Africa won the title in 2022, it was dethroned by Nigeria last year. For Desiree Ellis, the 2026 edition will be the most difficult to win in the history of African women’s football, mainly because of the level reached by the North African nations and the overall tactical evolution.