The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pushed back the dates for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Originally scheduled to kick off in Morocco on 17 March, the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026.
CAF officials confirmed the shift on Thursday, 5 March, following high-level talks with FIFA. While the governing body cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the delay, they maintained that preparations in Morocco remain firmly on track.
The announcement comes at a precarious moment for Ghana’s national side. The Black Queens are currently stranded in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the suspension of local airspace.
Escalating regional tensions have grounded flights across the Gulf, leaving the Ghanaian squad and coaching staff waiting for a safe exit route.
The team had been using the UAE as a base for a high-intensity training camp and participation in the Pink Ladies Cup.
Despite the logistical nightmare, Kim Lars Björkegren’s side has shown formidable form on the pitch, securing dominant 4-0 victories over both Hong Kong and Russia in their opening fixtures.
The team is scheduled to play its final match against fellow WAFCON qualifiers Tanzania this Friday, 6 March.
However, the focus remains squarely on the diplomatic and logistical efforts required to fly the players out of the region once the final whistle blows.
The decision to move the tournament to a July window avoids a clash with the early-year European club schedules and aligns with the broader international calendar.
This adjustment allows teams more time to integrate players based in overseas leagues.
Ghana will head to Morocco with high expectations. After securing a bronze medal at the 2024 edition, the Black Queens are widely regarded as one of the favourites to challenge the traditional dominance of Nigeria and South Africa.
For the fans, the delay offers a longer build-up, but the immediate priority remains the safe return of the squad from the Middle East.
