The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ending weeks of speculation about the fate of the tournament.
In a statement published on Thursday, CAF confirmed that the competition, originally scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April, has been moved to 25 July – 16 August.
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CAF stated: “In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (‘CAF’) granted the hosting rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (‘WAFCON’) 2026 to Morocco, and this tournament was scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026.”
The continental body added: “After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026, to 25 July – 16 August 2026; to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
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CAF further assured key figures in the game that “Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”
The postponement follows weeks of uncertainty, including political comments from South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who accused Morocco of wavering over its hosting commitment and declared South Africa ready to step in if necessary.
Extra time for defending champions
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the new dates provide additional preparation time. The defending champions recently concluded a two-match friendly series against Cameroon in Yaounde as part of their build-up. Nigeria lost the first match 1–0 but bounced back with a 3–1 victory in the second encounter.
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Nigeria are the most successful side in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy a record 10 times.
Their most recent triumph came in the previous edition when they defeated the hosts, Morocco, 3-2 in a dramatic final match.
The stakes are, however, higher for the 2026 WAFCON as it will double as Africa’s qualifying route to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Only the top four teams at the tournament will secure automatic World Cup qualification, while two others must navigate the uncertainty of inter-confederation playoffs to keep their dreams alive.
With the competition now shifted to late July and August, teams across the continent will adjust their schedules as Africa’s premier women’s football tournament moves to a new window in 2026.
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