The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be hosted in Morocco. The tournament, initially planned for March, will now take place between July 25 and August 16, 2026.
CAF confirmed the change in a statement released on Thursday, bringing clarity after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the competition. The tournament was originally slated to run from March 17 to April 3, but the new dates were agreed upon following consultations between CAF, FIFA, and other key stakeholders involved in organising the event.
According to CAF, the adjustment was made to ensure the smooth and successful organisation of the continent’s premier women’s football competition.
The governing body explained that after discussions with partners and football stakeholders, it became necessary to shift the schedule in light of certain unforeseen circumstances. CAF also expressed confidence that preparations are ongoing and that the tournament will meet expectations when it eventually kicks off.
Morocco secured the hosting rights for the tournament in October 2024. However, concerns had been growing over the readiness of the event, as several pre-competition arrangements were yet to be finalised before the initial start date. Key details such as venues for knockout-stage matches, journalist accreditation, match officials, and technical workshops had not been fully confirmed, while promotional activities around the tournament were also limited.
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For defending champions Nigeria women's national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, the new timeline could provide more time to prepare for their title defence. The team recently wrapped up a two-match friendly series against the Cameroon women's national football team in Yaoundé, losing the first game 1–0 before responding with a 3–1 victory in the second match.
The competition will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. Under the qualification system, the four semi-finalists will automatically secure spots at the global tournament, while another African team will get a chance to qualify through an intercontinental play-off.
With the new dates in place, organisers and participating teams now have additional time to finalise preparations ahead of one of Africa’s biggest women’s football events. ⚽🌍
