The Moroccan Football Federation is reportedly considering a request to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, citing mounting domestic and international commitments ahead of a busy football calendar. According to Africasoccer.com, the host nation is expected to formally approach the Confederation of African Football with concerns surrounding scheduling pressures and preparation priorities.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be staged in Morocco between March 17 and April 3, 2026. The tournament will feature 16 national teams competing for continental honours, marking a significant expansion of the competition and reflecting the continued growth of women’s football across Africa.
However, the competition now faces uncertainty as Moroccan football authorities weigh the impact of hosting the tournament during an already congested period. Reports indicate that the Moroccan Football Federation believes the timing could affect domestic competitions and national team preparations, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.
One of the key reasons behind the proposed postponement is the need to conclude the Moroccan domestic league on schedule. The league season is expected to end on May 15, 2026, leaving a narrow window between the conclusion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and final preparations for the World Cup. Moroccan officials are concerned that hosting a major continental tournament during this period could disrupt league planning and player availability.
In addition to domestic league commitments, the Moroccan Football Federation is keen to prioritise preparations for the men’s national team, the Atlas Lions, as they build towards the 2026 World Cup. Morocco will be one of Africa’s representatives at the global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The federation reportedly believes that full focus and logistical resources are required to ensure optimal preparation for the World Cup, particularly given Morocco’s growing expectations on the global stage following recent international successes. Balancing the demands of hosting a major women’s tournament alongside World Cup preparations has therefore emerged as a key concern.
The anticipated request to CAF is expected to outline several pressing issues, including infrastructure readiness, scheduling conflicts, player welfare and the overall impact on Moroccan football operations. While no official decision has been announced, discussions are said to be ongoing behind the scenes.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was set to be a landmark edition, not only because of its expanded format but also due to the inclusion of four invited teams. Egypt, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Mali earned invitations to participate after failing to secure automatic qualification through the standard qualifying process.
The expansion to 16 teams is aimed at increasing competitiveness and providing more nations with exposure at the highest level of women’s football on the continent. CAF has consistently highlighted the tournament as a key pillar in its strategy to grow and professionalise the women’s game across Africa.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons enter the tournament as the most successful team in its history. They are the record holders, having won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on ten occasions. The Super Falcons also claimed the title at the previous edition and were expected to arrive in Morocco determined to defend their crown.
Other traditional powerhouses such as Ghana, South Africa and Cameroon were also expected to play prominent roles, alongside emerging teams seeking to challenge the established order. The tournament draw had already generated significant anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
The group pairings for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations reflect a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent across the continent. Host nation Morocco were drawn into Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, setting up several regional and competitive encounters.
Group B features South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, a group expected to be highly competitive given South Africa’s recent consistency at continental and global level. Group C includes Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, while Group D consists of Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.
The potential postponement of the tournament could have wide-ranging implications for participating nations, broadcasters, sponsors and logistical partners. Any adjustment to the calendar would require careful coordination to avoid clashes with domestic leagues, international windows and other major competitions.
CAF is yet to publicly comment on the reported request, and it remains unclear whether the governing body would approve a postponement or seek alternative solutions. Any decision will likely involve consultations with member associations, commercial partners and host authorities.
Despite the uncertainty, Morocco remains committed to hosting a successful continental tournament, with officials stressing that the request is aimed at ensuring the best possible conditions for both the competition and national team preparations.
As discussions continue, all eyes will be on CAF’s response and the potential impact on Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament. A final decision is expected in the coming months as planning timelines tighten.
For now, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains scheduled for March and April, but developments in the coming weeks could determine whether Africa’s top women’s teams will need to adjust their preparations.
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