WAFCON 2026 rescheduled, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will no longer kick off in March as originally planned. The continental governing body announced that the tournament will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026 in Morocco.
CAF had initially scheduled the competition from 17 March to 3 April. However, just 12 days before the planned start, officials confirmed the change, citing what they described as “certain unforeseen circumstances”.
CAF said it reached the decision after discussions with FIFA and other stakeholders. “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,” the statement read.
Although CAF did not provide detailed reasons, the decision came despite earlier remarks by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who had said that postponing the tournament would not be ideal.
Preparations had already begun across the continent. Many national teams had entered training camps and finalised logistics for the March start date. The sudden announcement has disrupted those plans.
Despite the schedule change, Morocco will still host WAFCON 2026. The North African nation has organised several major tournaments in recent years, including the men’s AFCON final in January 2026.
The women’s competition will feature 16 teams, expanded from 12 in the previous edition. Nigeria’s Super Falcons enter the tournament as defending champions.
Morocco, which finished runners-up twice in recent editions, will hope to lift the trophy on home soil. The rescheduled WAFCON 2026 remains a crucial pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Four African nations will qualify automatically for the global tournament. Two additional teams will compete in the intercontinental play-offs.
For many teams, the delay offers extra preparation time. However, it also extends uncertainty around squad planning and international schedules.
Following the announcement that WAFCON 2026 was rescheduled, South Africa indicated it would be ready to step in if needed.
Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie said his country had the infrastructure and experience to host the tournament. He made the remarks during an event where the South African Football Association unveiled new sponsorship deals.
“If Morocco is going to host AFCON, let them do so; we shall support them. But if they are not ready, they must tell us now,” McKenzie said, according to SABC Sport.
He emphasised that South Africa would not allow women’s football to be sidelined. “We will not wait for anybody. We are ready and open for business,” he added.
However, McKenzie later clarified that no formal discussions had taken place regarding the transfer of hosting rights. Morocco remains the official host.
The decision to have WAFCON 2026 rescheduled highlights the growing scale and commercial importance of women’s football in Africa. The tournament now carries expanded participation, World Cup qualification stakes and increased global visibility.
While the delay creates logistical challenges, CAF insists preparations remain on track. “Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the organisation stated.
For now, teams, fans and organisers must adjust their calendars. The spotlight shifts to July, when Africa’s best women’s sides will finally compete for continental glory.
