CAF Considers July Window For 2026 Women’s AFCON
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
WAFCON 2026 Set For Possible July Reschedule
THE 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) may be rescheduled to July following growing uncertainty over the tournament’s original timetable.
The competition was initially slated to run from 17 March to 3 April in Morocco, but logistical concerns and preparation delays have raised doubts about the feasibility of staging the event within that window.
Although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to formally confirm the change, emerging reports suggest the continental football body has internally resolved to postpone the tournament.
Under the proposed adjustment, the tournament could now take place from 25 July to 16 August, a period that would allow organizers additional time to address logistical challenges and finalize preparations.
Scheduling Around Global Football Calendar
The possible new dates would also place the competition shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July.
Observers believe the adjustment may help avoid calendar clashes while giving participating teams more time to prepare for Africa’s premier women’s football competition.
CAF is expected to make an official announcement on the revised schedule in the coming weeks.
Host Nation Still Uncertain
Beyond the question of timing, uncertainty also remains over the tournament’s host nation.
Morocco is still the official host, but recent comments by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, have intensified speculation about possible changes.
McKenzie recently declared that South Africa would be willing to step in and host the tournament if Morocco withdraws.
South Africa’s government believes the country possesses the stadiums, transport infrastructure and organizational capacity required to successfully stage the competition at short notice.
For now, all eyes remain on CAF as African football stakeholders await clarity on both the final tournament dates and the confirmed host nation.
