Why Morocco is hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for a third straight edition

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday, 26 July, with Morocco once again welcoming Africa’s top women’s national teams after being selected to host the tournament for the third consecutive edition.

The competition, which runs until 16 August, marks another milestone for Moroccan football.

It is the third straight Women’s AFCON to be staged in the North African nation following the 2022 and 2024 editions, making Morocco the first country to host three consecutive tournaments.

The latest edition also arrives after months of uncertainty, with the competition eventually going ahead following delays to its original schedule.

Morocco extends its role as Women’s AFCON host

Morocco first hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, becoming the first country in North Africa to stage the tournament.

The kingdom was then selected to organise the 2024 edition, making it the first nation to host the competition in consecutive editions.

In October 2024, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) again awarded hosting rights to Morocco for the 2026 tournament.

This edition is also the first Women’s AFCON to feature 16 teams, representing another significant step in the competition’s development.

By hosting three editions, Morocco joins Nigeria, which staged the tournament in 1998, 2002 and 2006, and South Africa, which hosted in 2000, 2004 and 2010.

However, Morocco becomes the first nation to stage three consecutive editions.

The decision further strengthens the country’s growing role as a regular venue for major African football competitions.

Tournament faced delays before confirmation

Preparations for the 2026 tournament were not without uncertainty.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, comments from South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, suggested the country could replace Morocco as hosts.

Those remarks created uncertainty over where the tournament would eventually be played.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) later issued a statement clarifying that Morocco had not withdrawn from hosting duties.

Instead, it explained that logistical challenges made the original tournament dates unavailable.

According to the federation, the scheduling difficulties were linked to the domestic football calendar and other sporting commitments already planned in Morocco during the same period.

Despite the uncertainty, qualified teams continued preparing for the competition while awaiting an official decision.

CAF eventually confirmed that the tournament would be postponed, announcing the decision only 12 days before the scheduled opening match.

The governing body cited “unforeseen circumstances” but did not provide additional details.

Infrastructure played a key role

Morocco’s ability to host another edition has largely been linked to its football infrastructure.

Speaking in an interview published during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa explained that Morocco agreed to organise the tournament because “no other country wanted it” and highlighted the country’s readiness to stage the event.

The availability of operational stadiums and supporting infrastructure has become one of Morocco’s strongest advantages when hosting continental competitions.

All that glitters is worth fighting for. ✨🏆#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/RCXitaKBnB

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) July 26, 2026

Previous intentions by South Africa to host in 2022 and Tanzania to organise the 2024 edition did not materialise, leaving Morocco as the available option with facilities already prepared.

That readiness ultimately enabled CAF to retain Morocco as host for a third successive tournament.

A landmark moment for African women’s football

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations represents another historic chapter for both the tournament and Morocco.

With the competition expanding to 16 teams for the first time, the country will once again provide the stage for Africa’s leading women’s national teams to compete for continental honours.

Morocco’s continued selection reflects its established hosting capacity and reinforces its position as one of Africa’s leading destinations for major football events.

As the tournament gets underway, the kingdom prepares to add another chapter to its growing history as a host of African football competitions.