CAF postpones 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations amid growing uncertainty

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, AfricaSoccer.com can report.

The decision, taken during a meeting on Friday, February 27, comes less than three weeks before the planned kickoff, deepening concerns about the organisation and readiness of Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

Speculation over a possible delay had been mounting in recent weeks, fueled by remarks from South Africa’s vice-minister and the absence of clear communication from CAF.

Despite holding a virtual meeting with communications officers from member associations last Monday, CAF officials reportedly offered no definitive answers on the tournament’s status.

The lack of preparatory workshops, which are standard practice before major continental events, further signalled that the competition was in jeopardy.

Internal tensions within CAF have also contributed to the confusion. Sources describe a recent Executive Committee meeting as tense, with President Patrice Motsepe avoiding direct discussion of WAFCON during deliberations.

He later addressed the issue briefly in a press interaction, attempting to calm fears but offering little clarity on the way forward.

The postponement raises serious questions about CAF’s planning and commitment to women’s football.

For players, coaches, and fans, the delay is a major setback, especially given the growing momentum of women’s football across Africa. It also disrupts preparations for teams that had already entered training camps and finalized logistics for the tournament.

While CAF has yet to announce new dates or provide a roadmap for rescheduling, the decision underscores the challenges facing the organisation as it seeks to balance administrative stability with the rising expectations surrounding women’s competitions.