The Confederation of African Football has officially rescheduled the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) to run from 25 July to 16 August 2026.
In a statement published on its website, CAF confirmed that the tournament, originally fixed for 17 March to 3 April 2026 in Morocco, will now take place later in the year following consultations with key stakeholders.
CAF stated: “In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) granted the hosting rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) 2026 to Morocco and this tournament was scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026.
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, in the light of certain unforseen circumstances.
Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”
The decision follows weeks of uncertainty over the tournament’s future. Reports of a possible postponement had been circulating after a series of high level meetings involving top football administrators.
CAF Head of TV and Communications, Lux September, had earlier indicated that a final decision was imminent. He said: “CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There has been several discussions for weeks. The matter is receiving Urgent and high level attention.”
Morocco remains the designated host nation for the competition. The debate over readiness had intensified after Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, publicly stated that his country was ready to step in if required.
With the new dates now confirmed, attention will shift to final preparations as Morocco prepares to stage the continent’s premier women’s football tournament in July and August 2026.
