Wafcon 2026: Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga sees ‘big push’ from expansion

Football Kenya Federation executive member Kirobo Momani is similarly excited about the added benefits the expansion brings to teams and the message it sends about women’s football on the continent.

“[It] “This comes at a time when we are trying to show women that their sport is taken as seriously as men,” she told BBC Sport Africa.

“The expanded format will result in more exposure, more participation and more resources reaching the participating teams.”

Kenya’s only previous World Cup appearance was in Cameroon in 2016, where they were eliminated in the group stage without a point.

Momani now believes that there is a “greater chance of qualifying” from his match against Gambia.

She added: “After this round of qualifiers, we will have the third and final round, where the loser (of the second round) will be able to participate to have a chance to reach the semi-finals.”

While the expansion is celebrated, Mbugi also sounded a note of caution, citing the need to maintain high standards in the finals.

“We hope that it will be expanded with high quality, because to maintain the quality of performance, it is important for that to happen,” Al-Gambi said.

“You can’t bring in teams that are going to lose 10-0, 11-0.

“Wafcon is really important for the growth of women’s football in Africa. It will really boost participation. It’s a really great opportunity.”

In August, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the progress made by African women’s football.

“I can assure you that women’s football will continue to improve because this is an area we focus on a lot,” he said.