The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recently unveiled the official "Best XI" for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament, taking place in Morocco from July 9 to 28, brings together the continent's top players and also serves as the qualification stage for the 2027 World Cup.
Moroccan Representation
For the first time in the tournament's history, two Moroccan defenders have been selected for the ideal lineup: Nohila Benzina and Hanan Ait El Haj. Both players played a crucial role in the defensive stability of the host nation, which has put on a strong display during the initial stages.
Selection Process
The composition of the ideal XI was carried out by CAF's technical study group. This group analyzes all matches using advanced statistics and video analysis, after which they draw up a shortlist of players who stand out for their technical skills, tactical insight, and consistency.
"The performances of Benzina and Ait El Haj were indispensable to Morocco's defensive organization. Their selection confirms the growing quality of women's football in our country," said a spokesperson for the CAF study group.
Significance for Moroccan Women's Football
The inclusion of two local players in the ideal eleven is seen as a major step forward for the development of women's football in Morocco. It offers young talents a clear example of what is achievable at the continental level and reinforces the Moroccan football federation's ambition to involve more women in the sport.
Alongside the two defenders, the complete ideal XI features players from various African nations, underscoring the diversity and competitiveness of continental women's football.