The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), rescheduling the tournament from its initial March–April window to 25 July–16 August 2026.
In a statement released by the continental football body, CAF said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders, including the FIFA, and was taken to ensure the overall success of the competition in light of “certain unforeseen circumstances.”
The tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco, was originally slated to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026. Under the revised schedule, Africa’s flagship women’s football event will now take place during the summer period, from 25 July to 16 August.
The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for the competition, as it will feature an expanded format of 16 teams for the first time. WAFCON also plays a crucial role in the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams earning automatic slots and two additional nations advancing to intercontinental play-offs.
CAF confirmed that preparations for the tournament remain ongoing and expressed confidence that the new schedule will provide adequate time for logistical coordination and competitive readiness.
The postponement comes just weeks before the original kick-off date and underscores CAF’s efforts to align the tournament calendar with broader international football commitments while maintaining the integrity and quality of the women’s game on the continent.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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