By Belinda Nketia
2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been rescheduled from March to July due to unforseen circumstances as stated by CAF.
CAF announced the change on 5th March 2026 saying the new dates were agreed after discussions with partners including FIFA and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth organisation of the competition.
The tournament, officially known as the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, will still be hosted by Morocco. The North African nation was awarded hosting rights in October 2024, with the competition initially scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026.
CAF said the adjustment was necessary due to “unforeseen circumstances,” although the governing body did not specify the exact reasons behind the change.
The new July–August schedule places the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament in a period that typically accommodates international competitions and could allow better coordination with the global football calendar.
Preparations for the tournament are ongoing, according to CAF, with organisers expressing confidence that Morocco will deliver a successful event.
The decision comes months after debate within African football circles about scheduling pressures affecting women’s competitions, including concerns about fixture congestion and alignment with international tournaments.
WAFCON is Africa’s premier women’s national team competition and serves as a key platform for the growth of the women’s game across the continent. The last edition, also staged in Morocco in 2022, drew record attendance and increased global attention for African women’s football.
CAF officials say the revised schedule will give organisers and participating teams additional time to prepare while ensuring the tournament meets expectations for players, fans and commercial partners.
