Motsepe explains WAFCON rescheduling, promises bigger future for tournament

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has shed light on the decision to reschedule the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, outlining two key reasons behind the change while reaffirming the body’s commitment to growing women’s football on the continent.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted last month, March, but was rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances.

According to Motsepe, the first motivation for adjusting the tournament calendar is to significantly enhance the competition’s financial appeal.

CAF, he noted, is determined to increase prize money and elevate the Women’s AFCON to new heights, making it more competitive and rewarding for participating nations.

He emphasized that the new dates have been carefully selected and will not be altered again, offering stability and clarity for teams, organizers, and stakeholders as preparations continue.

The second reason, Motsepe explained, stems from unforeseen circumstances that made the original schedule unworkable.

While he did not go into specific details, he stressed that the decision was necessary and taken in the best interest of the tournament and its long-term development.

Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s broader mission to prioritize and invest in women’s football, describing it as a vital part of the continent’s sporting future.

He said the governing body remains committed to ensuring the women’s game receives the attention, structure, and resources it deserves.

The remarks reflect CAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its competitions and position African women’s football for greater visibility, competitiveness, and global recognition.

The tournament is now scheduled to kick off from 25 July to 16 August 2026 in Morocco, with 16 teams expected to feature.