Morocco's WAFCON 2026 finally set after March‑April delay

A buzz of anticipation fills Rabat’s streets as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finally receives its calendar. The tournament, delayed from its original March‑April window, will open on Sunday 26 July with Algeria (Al) taking on Senegal at 17:00 GMT in the Moroccan capital.

The competition had been slated for 17 March to 3 April, but the Confederation of African Football (Caf) postponed it just 12 days before kickoff, citing “unforeseen circumstances”. This last‑minute decision forced a reshuffle of the entire programme.

The delay allowed organisers to adopt an expanded 16‑team format, increasing the total fixtures to 34 matches. It also creates a 12‑month interval since the postponed 2024 edition, marking the longest pause between two WAFCON tournaments.

All matches will start either at 17:00 GMT or 20:00 GMT, except the final. The tournament will culminate with the final on Sunday 16 August at 19:00 GMT, concluding a month‑long competition.

WAFCON 2026 doubles as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi‑finalists earn direct tickets to Brazil, while the losing quarter‑finalists will contest two inter‑continental play‑off spots.

Group A features hosts Morocco alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Group B contains South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Group C holds defending champions Nigeria with Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi, while Group D comprises Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.

Matches will be staged in five venues across Rabat and Casablanca: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat Olympic Stadium, Rabat Al Medina Stadium, Rabat Larbi Zaouli Stadium and Casablanca Moulay Rachid Stadium. The final venue remains undecided, with Moulay Hassan Stadium or the larger Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium being the leading candidates.

Nigeria secured a record‑extending 10th title in Rabat last July, underscoring the tournament’s growing prestige. The holders now aim for an 11th crown as they return to defend their title.

South Africa and Morocco are also viewed as strong contenders. Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak was the top scorer at the 2024 edition, while Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade received the MVP award last July.