Football: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations postponed

Football: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations postponed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delayed the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after months of speculation. Originally planned to commence in Morocco on March 17, the tournament will now take place in July and August 2026. This decision follows a statement released by CAF on Thursday, confirming the rescheduling due to “certain unforeseen circumstances.”

“Following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders, the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 has been moved to 25 July – 16 August 2026 to guarantee its success,” the CAF announcement stated.

Despite the change, officials emphasized that preparations are progressing smoothly. “All parties remain confident in the tournament’s ability to deliver a memorable event,” the statement added. This follows a recent reversal by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who had previously dismissed any possibility of a schedule adjustment. However, persistent rumors about Morocco’s potential withdrawal from hosting led to speculation that South Africa might take over, though this was later refuted by the country’s sports minister.

Morocco, which will host the WAFCON for the third time in a row, retains its role as the event’s organizer. The rescheduling ensures the competition aligns with the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, maintaining its significance as a key qualifying stage. While the exact cause of the delay was not disclosed, the CAF’s statement underscores the focus on securing the tournament’s success despite the last-minute shift in timing.