A R17 million dream: Higher stakes and bigger rewards for Banyana at WAFCON in Morocco

Banyana Banyana will aim to secure their spot in the Fifa Women’s World Cup for the third consecutive time at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Set against a backdrop of unprecedented changes, the upcoming WAFCON will not only showcase African talent but also serve as the vital qualifying route for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

WAFCON 2026 marks a significant milestone, expanding from 12 to 16 teams for the first time. This increase reflects the growing competitiveness of women’s football on the continent, a development that will see Banyana Banyana compete alongside powerhouse nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.

In a thrilling twist, this tournament introduces four additional nations — Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Egypt — into the fray based on Fifa rankings. This significantly raises the stakes, as each quarter-final victor will earn direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Having suffered a heartbreaking semi-final exit against Nigeria in the 2024 WAFCON, Banyana Banyana, led by coach Desiree Ellis, are determined to bounce back. Their journey at this level began in earnest with a historic victory in the 2022 WAFCON.

This followed their first participation in a global tournament during the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, and a subsequent appearance in 2023, hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The upcoming tournament is not just about victory on the pitch; it will also help elevate the financial standing of the women's game.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a landmark increase in prize money. The champions will receive a whopping $1 million (around R18.5 million), reflecting a 100% increase for the winners and a 45% overall rise in financial rewards. This significant boost aims to enhance the livelihoods of female players and support staff alike.

The draw for the tournament will take place on January 15 in Rabat, Morocco, setting the stage for a riveting competition running from March 17 to April 3. With the top ten-ranked nations participating, fans can expect a fiercely competitive environment, highlighted by debutants Malawi and Cape Verde striving to make their mark.

As Banyana Banyana gear up for this crucial challenge, they embody the hopes of a generation seeking to inspire future female athletes across Africa.

The journey to Brazil presents many challenges, but with perseverance and expertise, the team is ready to compete for its spot on the global stage once again.