REPORT: CAF 2026 Women’s AFCON Faces Postponement Weeks Before Kick-Off

REPORT: CAF 2026 Women’s AFCON Faces Postponement Weeks Before Kick-Off

By Niyi Busari 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), less than three weeks before the tournament’s scheduled kick-off, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The competition, originally set to run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, was due to feature an expanded 16-team format — a milestone reflecting the continued growth of women’s football across the continent.

According to reports, the decision was taken during a meeting held on Friday, February 27. An official announcement from CAF is expected in the coming days.

Speculation over a potential postponement had been mounting for weeks. The uncertainty intensified following remarks by Nocawe Mafu, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, as well as CAF’s lack of formal communication regarding the tournament’s status.

Sources indicate that Moroccan authorities had warned for several weeks that hosting the tournament in March would be unfeasible. Despite these concerns, participating federations had reportedly not received formal clarification from CAF, prompting further confusion.

A social media update addressing the development described the timing of the decision as “absurd” and criticized what it called a lack of respect toward players and technical staff, while highlighting that alternative contingency plans had been under consideration.

The postponement introduces fresh uncertainty for teams, organizers and stakeholders, as preparations had already entered their final stages. Further details regarding revised dates are expected once CAF issues its official statement.