Morocco reaffirm readiness to host WAFCON 2026

Morocco has reiterated its readiness to stage the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following the postponement of the tournament.

The tournament was originally scheduled from March 17 to April 7.

However, Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour told BBC Sport Africa that the country stands prepared to host the competition at short notice.

“The country was, and is, ready to host –  any time, and we will be very proud and very happy to host it, be it this month or within three months,” he said.

Mezzour suggested that a congested football calendar—both domestically and internationally—may have played a role in the decision to delay the tournament.

Uncertainty surrounding the situation has been compounded by a brief statement from the Confederation of African Football, which cited “unforeseen circumstances” and pointed to consultations involving FIFA and other stakeholders.

The postponement has also fueled speculation across the continent, coming in the wake of recent controversies in African football.

Among them was the disputed conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal walked off the pitch in protest over refereeing decisions during added time.

The rescheduled Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is now set to be played in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.

Group Stage Draw:

• Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
• Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
• Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
• Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde