The Kenya women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, have been handed a tough draw in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 tournament set to take place in Morocco from 17 March-3 April 2026.
Harambee Starlets, who ended their 10-year absence at the continental showpiece, have been drawn against hosts Morocco, Algeria and West African giants Senegal who are in the top 10 best African sides on the continent.
The Group of Death presents a formidable challenge for the Starlets, who are making their return to the continental stage for the first time in a decade, having last appeared in the 2016 edition held in Cameroon.
Beyond the race for the continental crown, the 2026 Women’s AFCON carries high stakes: qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil as the four semi-finalists will claim direct tickets to the global finals, with two additional nations heading to intercontinental play-offs.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets handed tough top 10 opponents at WAFCON 2026
Morocco have quickly grown into a powerhouse in women’s football in Africa having reached the finals in each of the last two editions in 2022 and 2024. The Atlas Lionesses are currently ranked 66th in the world and second on the continent, nearly 70 places above Kenya who are in position 133.
Algeria on its part is currently ranked 73rd in the world and 7th in Africa. Since their debut in 2004, they have qualified seven times for the continental competition. In the most recent competition, The Fennecs exited at the Quarterfinal stage.
Senegal will complete the group A lineup at the 2026 WAFCON. The Lionesses of Teranga are Currently ranked 81st in the world and eighth on the continent.
Senegal have reached the quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments (2022 and 2024).
Kenya secured their spot in this year’s edition after a dominant 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia in the final round of qualifiers.
The Harambee Starlets will be hoping to secure their first-ever victory at the 2026 WAFCON after a disappointing debut appearance.
During their maiden appearance in 2016, the Harambee Starlets lost all three group matches against Ghana (3-1), Mali (3-1) and Nigeria (4-0). For Kenya to advance to the Quarterfinals, they must finish either first or second in Group A.
The 2026 WAFCON edition in Morocco marks the first time the tournament will feature 16 teams, an expansion from the previous 12-team format used in 2022 and 2024.
