CAF Weighs New Dates As WAFCON 2026 Hosting Hits Snag
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
PLANS for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have been thrown into uncertainty after the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) formally asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament.
The request, sent directly to CAF, outlines Morocco’s growing difficulty in accommodating the competition due to intense pressure on its domestic football calendar. Multiple international tournaments scheduled within a short timeframe have stretched logistical resources and forced repeated adjustments to league fixtures across the country.
Morocco’s Botola Pro League has been particularly affected, with matches postponed to make room for major continental and regional competitions, including CHAN, the Arab Cup, and the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. These overlaps have raised concerns about venue readiness, operational capacity, and the overall quality of tournament delivery.
Faced with these challenges, the FRMF concluded that hosting WAFCON as originally planned may not meet the standards expected of Africa’s premier women’s football event. The federation has therefore proposed that CAF approve a revised schedule that allows sufficient preparation time and avoids further disruption to domestic football.
While CAF has yet to confirm a final decision, officials are believed to be in active consultations to assess the feasibility of postponement and identify suitable alternative dates that align with international football calendars.
The stakes surrounding the tournament are particularly high. Beyond continental honours, the 2026 WAFCON will determine Africa’s representatives at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists guaranteed qualification. This makes the competition a pivotal moment for women’s football development across the continent.
Any delay is expected to be carefully managed to protect competitive balance, ensure adequate preparation for national teams, and preserve momentum in the women’s game, which has continued to gain visibility and investment across Africa.
