The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), moving the tournament from its initial March schedule to a new window between July 25 and August 16, 2026.

The competition will be hosted in Morocco, which secured the hosting rights in October 2024.

The tournament was originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, but CAF confirmed the new dates after consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.

Why CAF Postponed WAFCON 2026

CAF explained that the decision was made to ensure the successful organisation of Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

According to the football governing body, several unforeseen circumstances required adjustments to the schedule.

In a statement, CAF noted that moving the competition would allow organisers to finalise key preparations, including logistics and operational planning, to deliver a high-quality tournament.

Before the announcement, concerns had been growing about the readiness of the event.

Several pre-tournament arrangements were still pending, including the confirmation of venues for knockout-stage matches, accreditation for journalists and officials, and technical workshops for participating teams.

Boost for Nigeria’s Super Falcons

The postponement could benefit defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, by giving them additional time to prepare for their title defence.

The Nigerian side recently played a two-match international friendly series against the Cameroon women’s national football team in Yaoundé.

Nigeria lost the first match 1–0 but bounced back strongly with a 3–1 victory in the return leg.

More preparation time could help the team strengthen its squad and tactics ahead of the continental tournament.

Pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Under the qualification format, the four semi-finalists will automatically secure tickets to the global competition.

An additional African team will have a chance to qualify through an intercontinental play-off.

CAF expressed confidence that preparations are progressing and that the rescheduled tournament will deliver a successful and competitive showcase for women’s football across Africa.