Breaking: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026

The Confederation of African Football has postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) earlier scheduled for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

The Africa’s football governing body has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations sponsored by TotalEnergies will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, still in Morocco.

Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition.

It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.

CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.

In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”

Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.

Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.

CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.