2026 Women's AFCON Group: Queens coach targets top four, World Cup ticket
Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has signalled both caution and confidence as his team prepares for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), admitting his side face a demanding group as they aim for a podium finish and beyond at the March 17 to April 3 tournament in Morocco.
In a frank but confident assessment of Ghana’s prospects at the continental showpiece, the Swedish tactician warned of stiff competition, while underlining the team’s ambition, with a focus on thorough preparation to navigate the continent’s toughest tournament, now expanded to 16 teams with trophies, cash prizes and Women's World Cup tickets at stake.
The official draw in Rabat last week placed Ghana in Group D alongside Cameroun, Mali and Cape Verde. While Mali is a familiar foe from the last edition, Cameroun bring a potent mix of physicality and tactical strength, and Cape Verde arrive as ambitious newcomers eager to make their mark.
“It’s going to be a tough group for sure,” Björkegren acknowledged, as he began analysing a pool that mixes pedigree, familiarity and ambition.
Strong Cameroun
Cameroun, perennial contenders on the continent, appear to have made the strongest early impression on the Swedish tactician. “I watched the Cameroun squad the other day, and I was a little bit surprised,” he said. “I found out one of the players is from Cameroun. I didn’t know, so it’s an amazing squad.”
On familiar opponents, Mali, the coach said: “We played against Mali in the previous Women’s World Cup, so we know that they are a good team,” Björkegren noted, while also warning against underestimating debutants Cape Verde, who arrive eager to announce themselves on the big stage.
With the draw complete, the Ghana coach is already turning his attention to preparation. “From now on, we can start planning for it and make the best possible preparation to achieve a good result,” he said.
The Black Queens’ objectives are ambitious, with the Women's World Cup in sight. “For me, and I think for all of us, it’s a clear target to make the top four, to qualify for the World Cup. That’s very important. If we make the top four, then we can push for the gold,” Björkegren explained.
Queens on the rise
Ghana’s confidence is underpinned by recent performances. At the 2025 WAFCON, the Black Queens finished third after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over South Africa, signalling their return to the continent’s elite.
Even a recent 2-0 defeat to European champions England has been viewed positively, highlighting the team’s growing ability to compete with top-level opposition.
With a deepening talent pool and the experience of a semi-final run under Björkegren at the last tournament, the Black Queens will target at least another last-four finish—and ultimately, their elusive first WAFCON title.
The expanded 16-team 2026 WAFCON, featuring hosts Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with the added incentive of automatic qualification for the top four teams to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
