The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is set to formally petition the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
CAF’s flagship women’s competition is scheduled to be hosted by Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026, with 16 nations set to compete for the coveted title.
However, the tournament now faces the possibility of postponement, as the host nation is expected to formally petition the CAF over several pressing concerns.
The Moroccan Football Federation’s request is largely driven by a congested football calendar, particularly the need to conclude the domestic league season by May 15, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup later that year.
In addition, the federation is keen to prioritise preparations for the Atlas Lions as they gear up for the global showpiece, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will mark the first time the tournament features 16 teams, with Egypt, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali earning invitations despite failing to secure automatic qualification.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the competition’s most successful side, having won the title a record ten times. As reigning champions, they will be aiming to defend their crown when the tournament is eventually staged in North Africa.
CAF is yet to officially respond to the request, but any decision to alter the tournament calendar would require consultations with member associations, broadcasters, and commercial partners.
The 2026 WAFCON is expected to bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams and serve as a key platform for the continued growth and visibility of women’s football on the continent.
Here are the WAFCON Group pairings:
Group A: Morocco – Algeria – Senegal – Kenya
Group B: South Africa – Ivory Coast – Burkina Faso – Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria – Zambia – Egypt – Malawi
Group D: Ghana – Cameroon – Mali – Cape Verde
