FIFA Announces 2026 WAFCON Dates As CAF Remains Silent

FIFA Announces 2026 WAFCON Dates As CAF Remains Silent

By Admin 

FIFA has quietly confirmed the dates for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), revealing that the tournament will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The announcement came via a press release issued on Thursday following FIFA’s Council meeting, despite no official communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The revelation appeared to catch CAF off guard, as the continental governing body has yet to formally acknowledge or comment on the tournament schedule, a development that has raised eyebrows among stakeholders and fans alike.

The 2026 edition will come just two years after the delayed 2024 WAFCON, also hosted by Morocco, which concluded in July. Nigeria won that tournament after defeating the hosts in the final, while South Africa claimed third place.

As in previous editions, 12 teams will compete for the continental crown. However, the 2026 tournament carries heightened significance: it will serve as the qualifying event for Africa’s four places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be held in Brazil.

Morocco, as tournament hosts, have already secured automatic qualification, leaving 11 spots to be decided through the current qualification campaign. The final round of qualifiers is scheduled for this month, with several high-stakes matchups on the horizon.

Among them, defending bronze medalists South Africa will face the Democratic Republic of Congo over two legs, hoping to secure their place in Morocco and stake a claim for a return to the world stage.

While CAF’s delayed response has prompted questions over coordination, anticipation is mounting as the continent’s top women’s teams prepare for a tournament that will not only crown Africa’s champions but also determine who will fly the flag in Brazil in 2027.