Football: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations postponed

Football: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations postponed

Weeks of speculation have led to the decision by Africa’s football authority to delay the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the rescheduling on Thursday, moving the event from its original mid-March start date to the summer months of 2026. The tournament, set to take place in Morocco, will now run from 25 July to 16 August.

“Following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF has opted to shift the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 dates to ensure the competition’s success,” the statement stated.

The CAF did not specify the cause for the change, citing “certain unforeseen circumstances” as the reason. Despite this, the organization emphasized that preparations are progressing and all parties remain optimistic about the event’s outcome.

Earlier, CAF President Patrice Motsepe had dismissed any possibility of rescheduling, stating the tournament would proceed as planned. However, persistent rumors emerged that Morocco might withdraw from hosting, with South Africa’s deputy sports minister briefly suggesting a potential takeover. This claim was later refuted by the country’s sports minister.

Ultimately, Morocco retains its hosting duties, though the timeline has been extended by several months. The nation will host the WAFCON for the third consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history.

The delay also aligns with the tournament’s role as a qualifying stage for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, ensuring teams have adequate time to prepare for the international competition.