Tournament shifted to July–August window as CAF quietly explores contingency plans with other African nations.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering alternative host nations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) amid growing uncertainty over Morocco’s ability to stage the tournament.
The competition, originally scheduled to take place between March 17 and April 3, has now been moved to July 25 through August 16 following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.

While CAF has officially confirmed only the change in dates, questions have emerged regarding Morocco’s readiness to host the competition within the new timeframe.
The development has sparked discussions within CAF about the possibility of changing the host country should Morocco be unable to meet the revised schedule.

Reports indicate that Moroccan authorities had earlier informed CAF internally that the country would be unable to host the tournament in March due to logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts with other football events.

According to a report, Morocco cited issues relating to stadium availability and commitments tied to men’s championship matches, as well as the sixth edition of the “Morocco, Capital of African Football” event scheduled during the March international break in Casablanca and Rabat.

Sources also suggest that CAF has been exploring contingency plans should Morocco eventually withdraw from hosting duties.

As part of its contingency measures, the continental body is said to have discreetly approached several countries. Apart from South Africa, Algeria was also reportedly informally contacted to gauge its potential interest in hosting the tournament.
However, no official decision has been announced regarding a possible change of host.

The uncertainty has further fuelled speculation about tensions between CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan football chief Fouzi Lekjaa, particularly over disagreements surrounding the tournament calendar before the postponement was confirmed.