CAF reschedules 2026 WAFCON to July

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change in the schedule for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), shifting the tournament from its earlier dates to July and August. CAF confirmed the adjustment in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders to ensure the successful […]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change in the schedule for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), shifting the tournament from its earlier dates to July and August.

CAF confirmed the adjustment in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders to ensure the successful organisation of the competition.

The tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco, was initially scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026. However, the new dates for the continental showpiece have now been fixed for 25 July to 16 August 2026.

“In October 2024, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) granted Morocco the hosting rights for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026. The tournament was originally scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026,” the statement read.

“After discussions between CAF, FIFA, and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the CAF WAFCON 2026 to 25 July – 16 August 2026 to ensure the success of this important women’s competition in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.

“Preparations for the CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all parties are confident that it will be highly successful.”

The rescheduled tournament will also serve as a qualifying pathway for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the global competition.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will enter the tournament as defending champions and have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.