CAF Announces New Summer Dates for WAFCON 2026
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially announced a rescheduling of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026. Originally anticipated to kick off in this March, the continental showpiece has been moved to a mid-summer window, now set to run from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
The decision follows extensive consultations between CAF, FIFA, and global stakeholders. According to CAF, the primary objective of the postponement is to “safeguard the prestige and operational excellence” of the tournament.
This move ensures that Africa’s elite women’s teams compete on a stage free from logistical distractions, allowing the tournament to capture the undivided global attention it deserves.
Morocco, which has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for African football, has reportedly been stripped off the hosting rights, and CAF will communicate new hosts in the days ahead.
“After discussions between CAF and its partners… CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 to July 25 – August 16, 2026. This is to ensure the success of this important women’s competition in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
The shift to a July-August window positions WAFCON as a singular focal point for the sporting world. The tournament’s significance has never been higher; having expanded to a 16-team format, it serves as the ultimate proving ground for African nations seeking continental dominance and a springboard for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, postponement has disrupted the immediate plans of several national teams already in the final stages of their training cycles.
The situation will hit different for Ghana’s Black Queens, who are currently in Dubai for a training tour. Their stay has been complicated by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, leaving the team in a precarious position as they navigate travel and security concerns. To have the tournament rescheduled while the squad is away from home in a region affected by war adds stress to what was supposed to be a final preparations period.
