Less than two weeks before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to kick off, uncertainty remains over whether Morocco will be ready to host the continental tournament.
The competition is due to begin on March 17, but reports suggest Moroccan authorities have expressed concerns about their ability to meet preparation deadlines due to stadium renovations and an already congested sporting calendar.
The situation has prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to assure participating nations that the matter is receiving urgent attention and that clarity will be provided in the coming days.
CAF Rules Out Changing Tournament Dates
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has ruled out postponing the tournament despite the uncertainty surrounding Morocco’s readiness.
According to Motsepe, the competition’s timeline cannot easily be altered because the tournament also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Brazil.
Any delay could therefore disrupt the broader global football calendar.
Teams Face Logistical Challenges
The uncertainty has left qualified teams in what analysts describe as an unprecedented logistical vacuum.
National teams typically finalize travel arrangements, training camps, and accommodation weeks before major tournaments. However, the unclear hosting situation has made planning difficult for several federations preparing to participate.
South Africa Offers to Host Tournament
Amid the uncertainty, South Africa has indicated it would be ready to step in and host the tournament if necessary.
South Africa’s sports minister criticized Morocco for allowing the situation to remain unresolved with only 13 days remaining before kickoff, warning that such uncertainty undermines preparations for one of Africa’s premier women’s football competitions.
Expanded Tournament Format
In November 2025, CAF announced a significant change to the tournament format by expanding the competition to 16 teams, marking the largest edition in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The expansion was intended to accelerate the growth of women’s football across the African continent, giving more national teams the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Nigeria Enter as Defending Champions
The reigning champions are Nigeria women’s national football team, who secured the title in dramatic fashion after defeating Morocco women’s national football team 3–2 in the final of the previous edition.
With the tournament approaching rapidly, teams, officials, and fans across Africa are now waiting for CAF’s final confirmation on whether Morocco will proceed as host or whether alternative arrangements will be required.
