Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) will take place as planned in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026, despite recent speculation about a potential relocation or postponement.
There have been rumours circulating on social media that WAFCON which following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which was held in Morocco, will be moved, with South Africa the likely destination.
Reports suggested the WAFCON was being moved because Morocco had requested to have it played elsewhere. However, speaking to journalists in Tanzania, Motsepe maintained the tournament will remain in Morocco.
“The WAFCON continues. There are discussions taking place. There are a lot of competitions. You know Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host, but because we didn’t have time and our standards were very high, there are still many, many countries that are interested,” said Motsepe.
“As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco. Some of the countries said, ‘Please, can we host it?’ but they want to change the dates. We can’t change the dates because it’s one of those qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup, so the WAFCON continues; it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure that it takes place within that window.”
“The WAFCON continues, it’s going to be successful and we will make sure it takes place within the window,” concluded Motsepe.
The Morocco WAFCON will be the 14th edition of the women’s football competition will feature 16 teams for the first time, expanded from 12 at the previous tournament.
The tournament will take place in Morocco for the third consecutive time, from 17 March to 3 April 2026. Nigeria are the reigning champions, having defeated hosts Morocco in the final for the second consecutive tournament to clinch their record-extending 10th title in 2025.
Of the 16 qualified teams, nine featured in the 2024 edition. Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tunisia, who qualified in 2024, missed out this time, while Cabo Verde and Malawi will make their first appearances in the tournament.
