The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has officially rescheduled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Morocco, moving the tournament to July 25 through August 16.
The continental football governing body announced the rescheduling in a statement on Thursday.
The 2026 WAFCON was initially scheduled to take place from March 17 through April 3 in Morocco.
However, CAF has revealed that adjustments have been made to its plans for the competition “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances”.
The new dates for the tournament will be from July 25 to August 16.
“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,” the statement reads.
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“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 light of certain unforeseen circumstances.
“Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”
The rescheduled WAFCON will also serve as qualifiers for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup, with all four semifinalists guaranteed a place in the tournament in Brazil.
The Super Falcons are the defending champions and are drawn in Group C against Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.
CAF’s announcement comes after the tournament was initially awarded to Morocco in October 2024. At the time, the competition was slated to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, with full confidence that the North African nation could host the event successfully.
The 2026 WAFCON will see top African women’s national teams competing not only for continental glory but also for a place on the world stage, as all four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.
CAF emphasised that the rescheduling followed discussions with key partners, including FIFA and other stakeholders, to ensure that the tournament maintains its high standards and delivers a memorable experience for players and fans alike. Organisers expressed confidence that the competition will be a major success despite the shift in dates.
The Cable
