The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially settled the debate regarding the venue for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by confirming Morocco as the definitive host nation. Recent speculation suggested that Morocco might withdraw from its hosting responsibilities, potentially opening the door for South Africa to intervene as a secondary option. However, CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed these rumors directly during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Friday, dismissing any claims of a relocation or postponement.
Motsepe emphasized that the scheduling for the WAFCON 2026 finals remains fixed to ensure continuity for the participating nations and the continental football calendar. This decision marks the third consecutive time Morocco will stage the prestigious tournament, following their successful delivery of the previous two editions. The upcoming competition holds immense significance, as it serves as the primary qualification pathway for African teams aiming to participate in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The tournament features a condensed and intense schedule, running from March 17 to April 3, 2026. Beyond the quest for the continental trophy, the stakes remain incredibly high for the competing squads due to the direct link to the global stage in Brazil. Under current regulations, the four nations that reach the semi-final stage of the competition will automatically secure their spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Patrice Motsepe also clarified that the stability of the dates is non-negotiable because the event integrates into the broader FIFA qualification window. While other countries expressed interest in hosting the event, their requests for a shift in the timeline made them unsuitable alternatives given the rigid World Cup qualifying deadlines. Morocco’s established infrastructure and proven track record in hosting women’s football made them the most reliable choice for the governing body.
As the continent prepares for the kickoff in March, the focus now shifts toward the technical preparations of the qualified teams. Defending champions Nigeria and recent powerhouses like South Africa and Zambia will converge in Morocco to battle for both African supremacy and a coveted ticket to Brazil. The confirmation of the venue provides the necessary certainty for football federations to finalize their travel arrangements and training camps for the flagship biennial event.
