Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take place as planned in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026, despite recent speculation about a potential relocation or postponement.

There have been rumours circulating in social media that WAFCON which following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which was held in Morocco will be moved with South Africa the likely destination.

The [2026] WAFCON continues. We still have an engagement with Morocco – CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. #3Sports pic.twitter.com/ivGSov0oN9

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 13, 2026

Reports suggested the WAFCON was being moved because Morocco had requested to have it played elsewhere. However, speaking to journalists in Tanzania on Tuesday, Motsepe maintained it will remain in Morocco.

WAFCON to stay in Morocco

The WAFCON continues. There are discussions taking place. There are a lot of competitions. You know Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host, but because we didn’t have time, our standards were very high, so there are still many, many countries that are interested,” sad Motsepe.

“As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco. Some of the countries said, ‘Please, can we host it?’ but they want to change the dates. We can’t change the dates because it’s one of those qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup, so the WAFCON continues; it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure that it takes place within that window.”

He concluded: “The WAFCON continues, it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure it takes place within the window.”

Nigeria are the defending champions

The Morocco WAFCON will be the 14th edition of the women’s football competition will feature 16 teams for the first time, expanded from 12 at the previous tournament.

The tournament will take place in Morocco for the third consecutive time, from 17 March to 3 April 2026. Nigeria are the defending champions, having beaten hosts Morocco in the final for the second tournament in a row to secure their tenth title in 2025.

Of the 16 qualified teams, nine featured at the 2024 edition. Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tunisia, who qualified in 2024, missed out this time, while Cabo Verde and Malawi will make their first appearances in the tournament.

2026 WAFCON in Morocco Confirmed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has officially confirmed that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will take place in Morocco as scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

The confirmation comes amid widespread speculation on social media suggesting that the tournament could be relocated or postponed. Reports had indicated that Morocco might have requested to move the event elsewhere, with South Africa emerging as a potential alternative host.

However, speaking to journalists in Tanzania, Motsepe dismissed the rumours and reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to Morocco as the host nation.

2026 WAFCON to Stay in Morocco Despite Rumours

Motsepe clarified that discussions had taken place regarding hosting arrangements, but the tournament remains firmly scheduled for Morocco within the designated dates.

“The WAFCON continues. There are discussions taking place. There are a lot of competitions. You know Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host, but because we didn’t have time, our standards were very high, so there are still many, many countries that are interested,” Motsepe explained.

He acknowledged that several nations had expressed interest in hosting the 2026 WAFCON but emphasized that any potential changes would disrupt critical scheduling requirements.

“As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco. Some of the countries said, ‘Please, can we host it?’ but they want to change the dates. We can’t change the dates because it’s one of those qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup, so the WAFCON continues; it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure that it takes place within that window.”

Motsepe concluded by reiterating CAF’s firm stance:

“The WAFCON continues, it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure it takes place within the window.”

Why the 2026 WAFCON Dates Cannot Change

One of the key reasons CAF cannot alter the tournament dates is its role as a qualifying pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The scheduling window is aligned with international football calendars and qualification timelines.

Any postponement or relocation that interferes with this framework would affect participating teams’ preparation and qualification routes. Maintaining stability in scheduling is therefore essential for the integrity of African women’s football.

CAF’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring that continental competitions run smoothly and remain aligned with global football structures.

Morocco to Host WAFCON for Third Consecutive Time

The 2026 edition will mark the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and will be hosted by Morocco for the third consecutive time. The North African nation successfully staged the 2024 edition and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), earning praise for its infrastructure and organizational standards.

Morocco’s continued hosting role reflects CAF’s confidence in the country’s ability to deliver high-quality tournaments that meet international standards.

The upcoming tournament will also make history as the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, expanding from 12 teams in previous editions. This expansion represents CAF’s broader strategy to grow women’s football across the continent.