CAF confirms WAFCON 2026 postponement to 25 July–16 August in Morocco, allowing extra preparation time for teams and organisers

The Confederation of African Football has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, moving the tournament in Morocco from its initial March schedule to 25 July–16 August, the governing body confirmed on Thursday, 5 March 2026.

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CAF, in a statement on its website, said the change followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth organisation of the continental women’s football showcase. The tournament was initially slated for 17 March to 3 April.

“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 statement read.

Preparations for the tournament are ongoing, with venues, match officials, accreditation, and promotional activities being finalised ahead of the new dates. The competition will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic tickets.

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For defending champions Nigeria, the Super Falcons, the rescheduled dates offer additional time to prepare following a recent two-match friendly series against Cameroon, which they split with a 1–0 loss and a 3–1 victory.

CAF expressed confidence that the tournament will be successful under the revised schedule and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class women’s football event in Morocco.