Morocco women's national football team head coach Jorge Vilda has said the Atlas Lionesses are determined to meet the high expectations of home supporters as they prepare to host the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the tournament also offering a direct route to next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's opening match, Vilda said his players would "give everything" throughout the competition, stressing that commitment and determination would define Morocco's campaign. "We will do everything possible to make Moroccans proud of their national team," he said, expressing confidence in his squad's ability to compete at the highest level.
The Spanish coach described this edition of WAFCON as particularly important because the tournament doubles as a World Cup qualifier. Morocco's immediate objective, he said, is to reach the semifinals, which would secure direct qualification for Brazil 2027, while insisting that the team remains focused on taking the competition one match at a time.
Morocco has been drawn in Group A alongside Senegal, Kenya, and regional rival Algeria, setting up one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures. A meeting between Morocco and Algeria is expected to attract significant attention given the longstanding political tensions between the neighboring countries, although both teams will be seeking crucial points in the race for the knockout stage.
Vilda said the Atlas Lionesses have made significant progress since he took charge three years ago. More than 100 players have been evaluated through FIFA international windows and training camps before the squad was narrowed to 26 players, creating greater competition for places and expanding Morocco's pool of international-level talent.
The coach added that his technical staff has worked to strengthen the team's defensive organization while improving its attacking style, with a focus on creativity, competitiveness, and tactical discipline. He also dismissed suggestions that hosting the tournament would increase pressure on the players, arguing instead that performing in front of Moroccan supporters provides extra motivation.
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations will run until August 16, with matches taking place in Rabat and Casablanca. After finishing runners-up in the previous edition on home soil, Morocco will be aiming to go one step further this year, while a strong performance against Algeria could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of Group A and the Atlas Lionesses' path toward continental success and World Cup qualification.
