Morocco will host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as scheduled, quashing doubts over relocation or postponement.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), reaffirming its strategic commitment to the North African kingdom just weeks before the tournament kick-off.
Addressing growing uncertainty sparked by reports that Morocco might withdraw as host and that South Africa could replace them; CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe dismissed all speculation at a press briefing following the CAF Executive Committee meeting on Friday.
He stressed that Morocco remains fully engaged in preparations for the competition, scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
“There have been discussions, and there is a lot of competition to host this championship,” Motsepe said, reaffirming CAF’s unwavering partnership with Morocco. “Morocco came to assist when time was limited, and as of today, we still have an engagement with them.”
Dates and Qualification Importance
The WAFCON finals are set to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026, just as originally announced. Motsepe emphasised that the tournament’s place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification pathway means its dates are not flexible. “We cannot change the tournament dates,” he stressed, citing the competition’s role in determining Africa’s representatives at the global event.
Recent reports from some sports circles suggested Morocco may reconsider hosting rights partly due to organisational pressures and other nations showing interest. However, CAF’s President made it clear that no changes have been approved, and Morocco is still the designated host.
Despite interest from other African countries, CAF maintained that Morocco’s existing commitment was the strongest option given time constraints and the need to maintain continuity in tournament planning.
The 2026 WAFCON will also see continued expansion of women’s football on the continent. Following the decision to increase the finals tournament size to 16 teams, WAFCON is expected to attract even greater attention as more African nations compete on one of the biggest stages for women’s sport.
