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CAF postpones 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from March to July–August.
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Tournament to hold in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
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Competition will also serve as Africa’s qualification route for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, shifting the tournament from its earlier March schedule to a new window between July 25 and August 16, 2026.
The competition, which will be hosted by Morocco, was originally scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3.
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CAF confirmed the new dates in a statement after consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders involved in organising the tournament.
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According to CAF, the decision was taken to ensure the smooth organisation of the continent’s flagship women’s football competition amid unforeseen circumstances affecting earlier preparations.
The governing body added that preparations for the tournament were ongoing and expressed confidence that the event would meet expectations once it kicks off in the new window.
For defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team, the shift could provide additional time for preparation ahead of their title defence.
The Super Falcons recently played a two-match friendly series against Cameroon women’s national football team in Yaoundé, losing the first leg 1–0 before winning the return fixture 3–1.
The tournament will also act as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification while another African team will compete in an intercontinental play-off.