Introduction

Following the conclusion of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Ghana Black Queens secured a commendable bronze medal, the focus has already shifted to the next edition. The draw for the WAFCON 2026 tournament was conducted on Thursday, January 15, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in African women’s football. Head Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has wasted no time in articulating his vision for the team. In a recent statement, the Swedish tactician emphasized that the squad is not content with resting on their laurels. Instead, the Black Queens are setting their sights on a “greater match” and a more dominant performance as they return to Morocco, the host nation of the previous successful edition.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the coach’s statements, the implications of the group stage draw, and the strategic trajectory of the Ghana women’s national football team as they prepare for the 2026 continental showdown.

Key Points

Background

The Road to WAFCON 2026

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the premier tournament for women’s football on the continent, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The 2024 edition in Morocco was widely hailed as a success, raising the bar for organization and competitive quality. Ghana’s Black Queens played a pivotal role in that tournament, battling through the knockout stages to secure a bronze medal—a significant achievement that revitalized interest in women’s football back home.

Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s Tenure

Since taking over the helm of the Black Queens, Kim Lars Bjorkegren has implemented a systematic approach to player development and tactical discipline. His reference to the team’s rise in the FIFA rankings—from 6th to 3rd in Africa—is a tangible metric of this progress. This improvement is not merely a statistical anomaly but the result of consistent performances in international friendlies and competitive fixtures. The coach’s background in European football has brought a new level of professionalism to the squad, focusing on physical conditioning and tactical versatility.

The Significance of the January 15 Draw

The draw conducted on January 15, 2026, is a critical milestone in the tournament preparation. It dictates the logistical and tactical challenges the team will face in the group stages. Being placed in Group D presents a mix of familiar West African rivals and a formidable Central African powerhouse, setting the tone for a competitive group phase.

Analysis

Decoding the “Greater Match” Philosophy

When Coach Bjorkegren speaks of pushing to do a “greater match,” he is moving beyond the binary concept of winning or losing. In a pedagogical context, this phrase refers to the qualitative improvement of the team’s performance metrics. This includes:

• Tactical Fluidity: Moving from a results-oriented approach to a style of play that dominates possession and creates consistent goal-scoring opportunities.
• Mental Resilience: Building a squad that can withstand high-pressure moments, particularly in the knockout stages where the previous campaign ended in the semifinals.
• Defensive Solidity: Reducing the goals conceded column while increasing the offensive output.

Bjorkegren’s acknowledgment of the team’s rise to the number 3 seed is significant. Seeding in tournament draws is often the difference between a manageable group and a “group of death.” By achieving top-tier status, Ghana has positioned itself favorably, though the coach remains pragmatic, noting that the seeding’s practical impact will only be proven on the pitch.

Group D: A Tactical Breakdown

The draw has placed Ghana in Group D, which presents a unique set of challenges:

• Cameroon (Indomitable Lionesses): Historically one of Africa’s strongest teams. Matches against Cameroon are always physical and tactically demanding. They are perennial contenders for the title.
• Mali: A rising force in African women’s football, known for producing technically gifted players. They are dangerous on the counter-attack and possess high individual skill.
• Cape Verde: A team that has shown steady improvement. While perhaps less experienced than the other two, they represent a potential “banana skin” if underestimated.

Bjorkegren’s statement that he is “looking forward to the match” despite facing “three really excellent teams” reflects a confident mindset. It suggests a tactical philosophy that prioritizes playing proactive football rather than fearing the opposition.

The Moroccan Connection

Returning to Morocco for WAFCON 2026 offers both familiarity and challenge. Having competed there in 2024, the Black Queens understand the climate, the stadiums, and the atmosphere. However, playing in Fes—which has been designated as their base—requires adapting to a specific micro-climate and travel logistics. The psychological advantage of having “been there before” must be leveraged to avoid the complacency that sometimes follows a bronze medal win.

Practical Advice

For Aspiring Footballers and Coaches

Coach Bjorkegren’s approach offers valuable lessons for grassroots development:

• Focus on Ranking Systems: Understanding how FIFA rankings work is crucial. Consistent performance in all official matches (friendlies and tournaments) impacts seeding. Coaches should prioritize every fixture.
• Incremental Improvement: The goal of doing a “greater match” applies at all levels. Instead of focusing solely on winning, youth coaches should focus on specific metrics—pass completion rates, defensive transitions, or shot accuracy—to measure growth.
• Respect All Opponents: Bjorkegren’s respect for Group D opponents (Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde) is a lesson in sports psychology. Underestimating an opponent leads to tactical errors.

For Fans and Analysts

• Monitor the Camp: The base in Fes will be central to the team’s acclimatization. Fans should follow official CAF and GFA channels for updates on training sessions.
• Track Player Form: With the tournament set for March 2026, the months leading up to it are critical for players in domestic leagues (e.g., the Ghana Women’s Premier League) and abroad. Selection will depend on current form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where is WAFCON 2026 taking place?

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin in March 2026. It will be hosted by Morocco, with the Black Queens based in the city of Fes for the group stage.

Who is the current head coach of the Ghana Black Queens?

Kim Lars Bjorkegren, a Swedish football manager, is the head coach. Under his guidance, the team has improved significantly in the FIFA African rankings.

What is Ghana’s current FIFA ranking in Africa?

According to Coach Bjorkegren, the Black Queens have climbed to the 3rd position in Africa, a significant rise from their previous 6th-place ranking.

Which teams are in Ghana’s group for WAFCON 2026?

Ghana is in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.

What was Ghana’s result in the previous WAFCON?

Ghana finished third in the 2024 WAFCON, securing the bronze medal.

Conclusion

The statement by Kim Lars Bjorkegren—”We will push to do a greater match”—encapsulates a philosophy of continuous improvement. For the Ghana Black Queens, the WAFCON 2026 tournament is not just about defending a bronze medal but about challenging for the ultimate crown. The combination of a top-tier seeding, a proven coaching staff, and a balanced group draw creates a promising foundation.

However, the journey from the group stages in Fes to the final in Morocco requires more than just ambition; it demands tactical discipline, physical peak performance, and mental fortitude. As the team prepares to return to the Moroccan pitch, the eyes of a nation will be watching, hoping that this iteration of the Black Queens will indeed deliver a “greater match” and bring home the gold.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 15). WAFCON 2026: ‘We will push to do a greater match’ — Kim Lars Bjorkegren.
• Confederation of African Football (CAF). (2026). WAFCON 2026 Official Tournament Guide.
• Ghana Football Association (GFA). (2026). Black Queens Technical Team Report.
• FIFA. (2026). Women’s World Ranking — Africa.