African football authorities have officially postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to July-August window.
The Confederation of African Football has remained silent on key preparations, including venue confirmations for knockout stages, journalist accreditations, match officials, and media workshops, with security yet to be deployed at sites in the host nation.
Morocco reportedly sought the delay to wrap up its domestic league, interrupted by the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December to January, alongside other events like the African Nations Championship and Arab Cup.
French outlet L’Equipe last week indicated a decision was made on February 27 to defer the event, while Jeune Afrique, quoting a CAF source, confirmed on Monday it would not occur in the original March 17 to April 3 slot.
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie suggested political motives behind any shift, stating: “If Morocco is not ready to host the WAFCON, South Africa is ready. Why is women’s football being treated with levity? We will not be held hostage because some people want to embarrass CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe.”
Earlier claims by South African official Peace Mabe that her country would replace Morocco were retracted, with her saying: “When Morocco said, ‘We are not able to host,’ South Africa said, ‘Yes, we are available. We are going to take it.’”
The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, offering automatic spots to four semi-finalists and a playoff chance for another team.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the defending champions, recently split friendlies with Cameroon, losing 1-0 before a 3-1 win in Yaounde on Tuesday.
Midfielder Jennifer Echegini, who netted the decisive goal in the last final, highlighted preparation challenges: “Preparation time is very limited. You have to be very careful with how you prepare. Last time, we didn’t prepare as much as we wanted, but we still won. We are a team that prevails regardless of the obstacles or lack of preparation.”
