2026 WAFCON Postponement Sparks Mystery As Morocco Declares Ready

Three weeks after the sudden postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the reasons for the delay remain unclear, even as Moroccan officials maintain that the country was fully prepared to host the tournament as scheduled.

According to Ireporter Online, WAFCON 2026, initially set to begin on 17 March, has been rescheduled to take place from 25 July to 16 August.

“That was a decision made at the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour told BBC Sport Africa. “What I know is Morocco is always ready to host any competition, any time, and we will be very proud and very happy to host it, be it this month or within three months.”

Morocco has emerged as a key destination for continental football, preparing to host its third consecutive WAFCON. The kingdom has previously staged the Women’s Champions League in 2022 and 2024, the Under-17 AFCON in 2026, the 2023 Under-23 AFCON, and multiple futsal AFCON tournaments.

The country also hosted the recent men’s senior AFCON, a final marked by controversy after Senegal temporarily walked off the pitch over disputed refereeing decisions in Rabat. Although Senegal initially returned to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time, CAF’s independent appeal board later overturned the result following a complaint from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. CAF’s disciplinary committee had initially rejected the appeal and imposed sanctions, including a five-match ban for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw. Moroccan officials criticized the original penalties as failing to “reflect the seriousness of the incidents,” adding to speculation about the nation’s readiness to host WAFCON.

Reports indicate that Morocco’s congested international and domestic football calendar may have influenced the postponement. CAF cited “unforeseen circumstances” in a brief statement, noting that the decision involved “partners, FIFA, and other stakeholders,” leaving lingering questions over the precise reasons for the delay.