Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), originally set to kick off in Morocco from March 17 to April 3? to a new window between 25 July and 16 August 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that this adjustment was announced on Thursday, 5 March 2026 in a statement from CAF following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.
CAF said the decision to push back the tournament was made to ensure the success of the competition in light of certain unforeseen circumstances”, though specific details about the reasons behind the move were not disclosed. Preparations for the event in Morocco are still expected to continue ahead of the summer dates.
The rescheduling ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the event, which had drawn concerns over logistical readiness less than two weeks before its planned March start.
The tournament will remain an important continental championship, showcasing elite women’s football teams across Africa and acting as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco retains hosting rights for the 16th edition, which will feature expanded participation of 16 teams, boosted from previous editions, with champions like Nigeria among the favourites.
