The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially rescheduled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), shifting the tournament from its original March 17–April 3 dates to July 25–August 16.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was necessary to ensure smooth organization of the competition, following unforeseen logistical challenges.
Morocco, which secured hosting rights in October 2024, remains the host nation despite speculation about its readiness and also claims of a swich to a diffrent country.
Preparations are ongoing, with CAF, FIFA, and local organizers confident that the new schedule will allow for a successful tournament. The postponement also ensures the competition will take place after the FIFA World Cup, giving it greater visibility.
“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAFdecided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026, to 25 July – 16 August 2026; to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforseen circumstances,” the statement read.
For Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, the delay offers more time to regroup after disappointing friendly results. Ahead of the tournament, the Starlets faced Benin and Côte d’Ivoire in warm-up matches but lost both encounters, raising concerns about their readiness.
The Kenyan side is drawn into a challenging group featuring hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria, all of whom boast strong squads and passionate home support. Their opening fixture will be against Morocco, a match expected to test their resilience in front of a partisan crowd.
Despite setbacks in friendlies, players such as Ruth Ingotsi and Eglay Mukhwana remain optimistic. They have set a target of reaching the semi-finals, emphasizing that the team’s mix of newcomers and experienced players can deliver results.
The Starlets have also pleaded for greater support from the Kenyan government and sports authorities, noting that visible encouragement could boost morale and inspire confidence ahead of the continental stage.
With scouts from major clubs expected to attend WAFCON, the tournament represents not only a chance for national pride but also an opportunity for individual players to secure professional contracts abroad.
The postponement gives the Harambee Starlets valuable time to refine their preparations, strengthen their squad, and rally national support as they aim to make history in Morocco, or if speculation is right, the other chosen host country.
