The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified the reasons behind the postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with Acting Secretary-General Samson Adamu confirming that Morocco will remain the host nation for the tournament.

The tournament was originally scheduled to begin on March 17 but was later rescheduled to run from July 25 to August 16, 2026.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Adamu explained that the decision to reschedule the competition was driven by the need to ensure optimal conditions for participating teams, particularly following what he described as a successful Africa Cup of Nations for the men.

"It is regrettable that the competition was delayed, I must say," he said.

"The reason we delayed was that there were circumstances beyond us at the time that would not permit us to have the best competition possible, and also after having a very successful Africa Cup of Nations for the men."

He stressed that CAF’s priority was to deliver a well-organised tournament that meets the standards expected of a major women’s competition, especially one that also serves as a qualifying pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

"It was very important that the Women's AFCON is organised under the right and perfect conditions for the women. What is deserving for this competition, especially the competition that is qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup," he added. 

Adamu also noted that preparations are already underway, including inspection visits and planning sessions with local organisers.

"Sometimes little discomfort for the greater good is exactly what we did and this is why the competition has been moved now to July, and we will organise the competition as it has been planned in Morocco and it is going to be a very good and special competition, and we already had inspection visits."

"We already had a plan so it is going to be a really good competition."

The confirmation puts an end to speculation over the hosting rights, with Morocco now expected to stage the tournament, despite earlier controversy linking the hosting rights to South Africa.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will head into the tournament as defending champions, having claimed a record-extending 10th WAFCON title in the previous edition held in Morocco. 

Nigeria will be aiming to further extend their dominance on the continent by securing an 11th crown, while also targeting qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Adeyemi Adewale