CAF President Patrice Motsepe has officially confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa
Cup of Nations (WAFCON), bringing clarity to weeks of speculation surrounding the tournament’s venue. His announcement puts to rest rumours suggesting that CAF was considering moving the competition to another country, including South Africa, and reinforces Morocco’s position as one of Africa’s leading destinations for major football events.
Motsepe made the confirmation during a press engagement, stressing that there has been no change in CAF’s plans and that Morocco remains fully entrusted with staging the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament. In recent days, reports had circulated widely about a possible shift in hosting rights due to scheduling concerns and organisational debates. However, CAF’s president was clear in his remarks, stating that Morocco remains the confirmed host and that preparations are continuing as expected.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s premier international women’s football competition, bringing together the best national teams from across the continent to compete for the prestigious title. Over the past decade, the tournament has grown significantly in profile, attracting global attention, stronger sponsorship, and increased investment in women’s football development. The 2026 edition is expected to be another major milestone, showcasing Africa’s rising talent and the rapid progress being made in the women’s game.
CAF has also maintained that the tournament will go ahead within the proposed window, with WAFCON 2026 scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026. The confirmation of dates and venue provides stability for participating teams, football associations, and supporters, allowing them to focus fully on qualification and preparations. With women’s football continuing to gain momentum worldwide, CAF’s commitment to a well-organised tournament is seen as crucial for maintaining the competition’s growing reputation.
Morocco’s selection as host is not entirely surprising, given the country’s recent track record in delivering successful football events. The North African nation hosted the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, earning praise for its infrastructure, hospitality, and organisational standards. That tournament not only set new benchmarks for attendance and visibility but also demonstrated Morocco’s capacity to stage high-level competitions that meet international expectations.
In recent years, Morocco has invested heavily in modern stadiums, training facilities, and broader sports development programmes, positioning itself as a key hub for football on the continent. The country has also hosted several CAF competitions and continues to play a central role in Africa’s sporting calendar. By confirming Morocco as host for 2026, CAF is reinforcing its confidence in the country’s ability to deliver another memorable edition of WAFCON.
Motsepe’s announcement also highlights CAF’s broader mission to elevate women’s football across Africa. Under his leadership, the organisation has placed increased emphasis on improving the women’s game through better funding, expanded competitions, and stronger global partnerships. WAFCON has become an essential platform for showcasing African players, many of whom now compete in top European leagues and represent the continent on the world stage.
The tournament’s growing prestige also means that WAFCON 2026 will likely attract significant international media coverage and fan engagement. With the women’s game experiencing unprecedented growth globally, Africa’s top players and national teams will have an opportunity to demonstrate their strength and competitiveness in front of worldwide audiences. The event is expected to contribute not only to sporting development but also to economic activity through tourism, sponsorship, and increased investment in local football structures.
As the road to 2026 continues, attention will now turn to the qualification process, where national teams will battle for a place at the finals. Traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana will be aiming to assert their dominance, while emerging teams across the continent will see the tournament as an opportunity to make history. With Morocco confirmed as host, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another exciting celebration of African women’s football.
Ultimately, Patrice Motsepe’s confirmation provides certainty and momentum for CAF’s flagship women’s competition. Morocco’s hosting of WAFCON 2026 is expected to further strengthen the tournament’s reputation, inspire the next generation of female footballers, and showcase Africa’s continued progress in the global football landscape.
