- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 in Morocco from its earlier March schedule to a new window between July 25 and August 16, 2026
- CAF said the change followed consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth organisation and overall success of Africa’s flagship women’s football competition
- CAF explained that the rescheduling was necessary due to unforeseen circumstances affecting preparations for the competition
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), moving the tournament in Morocco from its earlier March schedule to a new window between July and August.
CAF confirmed the change in a statement published on its official website on Thursday, March 5, bringing clarity after weeks of uncertainty over the tournament’s timing.
According to the governing body, the competition will now take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026, following consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders involved in organising the event.
The tournament had initially been scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.
CAF explained that the adjustment was made to ensure proper planning and successful delivery of the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament.
“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 to 25 July – 16 August 2026 to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances,” the organisation said.
The football body also expressed confidence that preparations were progressing and that the competition would meet expectations.
“Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the statement added.
The decision comes amid concerns over the readiness of several organisational aspects of the tournament.
Some pre-competition arrangements had yet to be finalised ahead of the earlier kickoff date, including venues for knockout-stage matches, journalist accreditation, appointments for match officials, and technical workshops. Promotional activities surrounding the competition were also largely limited.
For defending champions Nigeria women's national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, the revised schedule could provide additional time to prepare for their title defence.
The team recently wrapped up a two-match friendly series against the Cameroon women's national football team in Yaoundé. They lost the first encounter 1–0 before responding with a 3–1 victory in the return leg.
Beyond the continental title, the tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Under the qualification format, the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the global competition, while another African team will get a chance to secure a spot through an intercontinental play-off.