Why Was 2026 WAFCON Postponed? Mystery Grows As Morocco Confirms Full Preparedness

Three weeks after the last-minute postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the reasons behind the delay remain uncertain, even as Moroccan authorities maintain that the country was fully prepared to host the tournament.

Originally scheduled to begin on 17 March, the 2026 WAFCON has now been rescheduled to run from 25 July to 16 August.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, said the decision was taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He reaffirmed Morocco’s readiness, stating that the country is always prepared to host major competitions at any time and would be pleased to do so either in the current period or in a few months.

In recent years, Morocco has established itself as a major destination for African football events. The country is set to host its third consecutive WAFCON and has also staged several major tournaments, including the Women’s Champions League in 2022 and 2024, the Under-17 AFCON in 2026, the 2023 Under-23 AFCON, and multiple futsal competitions.

Morocco also recently hosted the senior men’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that ended in controversy after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest over late refereeing decisions in Rabat. Although Senegal later returned to secure a dramatic extra-time victory, CAF’s independent appeal board overturned the result following a complaint from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

CAF’s disciplinary committee had earlier dismissed the appeal and imposed sanctions, including a five-match ban on Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw. The Moroccan federation argued that the penalties were insufficient, adding to ongoing speculation about the country’s role in hosting future tournaments.

Reports from BBC Sport Africa suggest that Morocco’s packed football calendar may have contributed to the postponement. However, uncertainty remains, as CAF has only described the delay as due to “unforeseen circumstances,” with “partners, FIFA, and other stakeholders” involved