Cameroon and Malawi Dominate WAFCON 2026 Best XI as Ghana Misses Out

The technical study group has officially unveiled the Best XI for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), celebrating the individual brilliance that defined the continental showpiece. In a selection that reflects the shifting power dynamics of African women’s football, Cameroon and Malawi emerged as the most successful nations, with their players occupying the majority of the spots in the prestigious lineup. However, the announcement brought notable disappointment for Ghana, as no member of the Black Queens squad managed to secure a place in the final XI, despite the high expectations surrounding their tournament campaign.

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses asserted their continental dominance by providing four players to the squad, more than any other nation in the tournament. Their inclusion underscores a period of tactical discipline and individual skill that propelled them through the competition. Malawi also made a significant impact on the selection, mirroring Cameroon’s success and highlighting the rapid growth of football in the COSAFA region. The final roster was rounded out by standout performers from Algeria, Morocco, and Zambia, ensuring a diverse representation of the continent's top talent across various tactical positions.

The exclusion of Ghanaian players from the Best XI serves as a moment of reflection for the national team’s technical handlers and the Ghana Football Association. While other nations like Zambia and Morocco continue to cement their status as rising giants in the women's game, the absence of Black Queens players suggests a gap between individual talent and the elite performance levels required at the highest stage of WAFCON. As the tournament concludes, the recognized players will look to build on this success in future international windows, while the excluded nations must now focus on strategic rebuilding to regain their competitive edge on the continent.