The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a change in the schedule for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). In a statement released on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the governing body confirmed that the tournament has been moved from its original spring window to a mid-summer slot in Morocco.
New Tournament Dates
Initially scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, the competition will now be held later in the year to accommodate logistical and stakeholder requirements.
- New Start Date: July 25, 2026
- Final Match: August 16, 2026
- Host Nation: Morocco
“Unforeseen Circumstances”: The Reason for the Delay
CAF explained that the rescheduling followed extensive consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders. The decision was reportedly made to ensure the “successful staging” of what is now Africa’s premier women’s football event.
In its official statement, CAF noted:
“In light of certain unforeseen circumstances, the new dates were agreed upon… preparations for the tournament are ongoing and progressing well.”
Defending Champions and Tournament Format
The 2026 edition marks the 16th installment of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. It will feature a expanded field of 16 teams, reflecting the rapid growth of the women’s game across the continent.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the most successful team in the tournament’s history, will enter the competition as defending champions after securing the title in the 2024 edition.
Roadmap to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Beyond continental glory, the stakes for the 2026 WAFCON are exceptionally high. The tournament will serve as the primary qualification pathway for African nations seeking to compete in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With the reschedule, teams will now have additional months to fine-tune their squads and prepare for the high-intensity environment of a 16-team knockout format.
Source: CAF
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