CAF Postpones 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, New Dates Announced
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially postponed the 2026 edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that has sparked conversations among football fans across the continent.
CAF confirmed the postponement on Thursday through a statement published on its official website. The tournament, which was originally scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco, will now be held from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
According to the African football governing body, the decision was taken to ensure the overall success and smooth organisation of the tournament in light of unforeseen circumstances.
Morocco, which also hosted the previous edition of the competition, remains the venue for the rescheduled tournament.
The last edition of the competition was won by Nigeria women's national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons, who once again demonstrated their dominance in African women’s football by lifting the continental title.
The Super Falcons are expected to return to the tournament as defending champions and one of the strongest contenders when the competition finally kicks off later in the year.
Opinion: A Delay That Could Benefit Teams
While postponements in major tournaments often disrupt preparation plans, the decision by CAF may not necessarily be a negative one for participating teams.
In fact, the new dates could provide more time for teams to prepare properly, scout opponents, and build stronger squads. For many African teams that struggle with funding, logistics and player availability, extra months could make a significant difference.
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the delay may offer an opportunity to strengthen the team further and integrate younger talents into the squad ahead of the competition. With the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa, defending the title will not be easy.
Ultimately, if the postponement helps deliver a better organised and more competitive tournament, fans across Africa will likely agree that the wait is worth it. ⚽
