Morocco's Football Federation Requests Postponement of WAFCON 2026
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has received a significant communication from the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) regarding the upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This development represents a major setback for the continental tournament's planning and scheduling.
Formal Request for Tournament Delay
The Moroccan Football Federation has officially written to CAF requesting the postponement of the 14th edition of WAFCON, which is currently scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The tournament was planned to be hosted across three cities in Morocco, building on the nation's experience hosting the successful 2024 edition.
According to reports, the FRMF has cited serious scheduling conflicts within Morocco's domestic football calendar as the primary reason for their request. The federation claims that the Botola Pro League has suffered multiple postponements due to international tournaments, creating logistical and operational challenges that would compromise their ability to host WAFCON effectively.
Background of Recent Football Events
This request comes against the backdrop of Morocco's recent hosting of major football tournaments. The North African nation successfully hosted the 13th WAFCON in 2024, where Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final at the Olympics Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lionesses had raced to a two-goal lead in the first half through Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanna Mssoudy, only to see the Super Falcons mount a remarkable comeback to claim the championship.
Five months later, Morocco also hosted one of the most memorable Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in recent history. However, that final was marred by chaotic scenes involving both Moroccan and Senegalese teams, ranging from ball boys attempting to distract goalkeepers to Senegal's coach ordering his players off the pitch. The FRMF subsequently submitted a formal protest to CAF, calling for sanctions against Senegal, though CAF eventually fined both nations while allowing Senegal to retain their title.
Scheduling Pressure and International Commitments
The Moroccan Football Federation has detailed how their domestic league has been disrupted by multiple international tournaments, including:
- The recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations where Morocco finished as runners-up
- The Arab Cup tournament
- The African Nations Championship (CHAN)
This accumulation of international football commitments has created what the FRMF describes as "overloading of the domestic football calendar" that makes hosting another major tournament within the proposed timeframe impractical.
CAF's Response and Regional Implications
The African football governing body has yet to issue an official response to Morocco's postponement request. However, sources indicate that discussions are already underway regarding potential alternative scheduling for the competition.
Meanwhile, South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie has clarified that no formal decision has been taken to relocate the 2026 WAFCON away from Morocco, despite earlier suggestions that South Africa might step in to host the tournament. This clarification came after his deputy had announced South Africa's willingness to stage the finals if necessary.
Related Football Developments
In a separate but related development, CAF has approved the Nigeria Football Federation's request to change the venue for Nigeria's 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifier against Senegal. The first-leg match, scheduled for February 7, 2026, will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, instead of the originally planned Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
The 2026 WAFCON postponement request represents a significant challenge for women's football development in Africa, potentially affecting preparation timelines for participating nations including defending champions Nigeria, who will be seeking to defend their title against a Moroccan team hungry for redemption after their 2024 final defeat.
