The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly exploring alternative venues for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following the postponement of the tournament, raising doubts about whether Morocco will ultimately retain the hosting rights.

CAF announced on Thursday that the competition, initially scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, has been rescheduled for July 25 to August 16 after consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.

Although the continental football body only confirmed a change in the tournament’s dates, questions have surfaced about Morocco’s ability to organise the event within the revised schedule. This has prompted discussions within CAF about possible alternative hosts.

According to reports by Sports News Africa, Moroccan authorities had privately informed CAF weeks earlier that the country would be unable to host the tournament in March due to logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts involving other football events.

The outlet stated that Morocco cited stadium availability and competing football activities as major concerns. Among the factors mentioned were domestic men’s championship matches and the sixth edition of the “Morocco, Capital of African Football” event, which is expected to feature eight national teams competing in Casablanca and Rabat during the March international window.

The report further indicated that CAF had quietly assessed contingency plans should Morocco withdraw from hosting duties. As part of this precaution, the football body reportedly sounded out several countries as potential backup hosts.

South Africa was among the nations considered, while Algeria was also informally approached but declined the possibility.

The situation has also fuelled speculation about possible tensions between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa. Reports suggest that disagreements over the tournament calendar had persisted before CAF eventually confirmed the postponement.

Motsepe had reportedly insisted that the original schedule should remain unchanged due to its alignment with qualification timelines for the upcoming Women’s World Cup. Moroccan officials, however, maintained that staging the tournament in March was not feasible.

Amid the uncertainty, South Africa has publicly expressed its willingness to step in should Morocco relinquish the hosting rights.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the country possesses the infrastructure necessary to organise the tournament and warned against delays that could hinder the progress of women’s football across the continent.

McKenzie noted that if Morocco is ready to host the competition, it should proceed as planned. However, he added that South Africa stands prepared to take over if Morocco cannot fulfil the role, emphasising that the development of women’s football should not be jeopardised by organisational uncertainties.

Despite the questions surrounding the host nation, CAF said preparations for the tournament remain ongoing and expressed confidence that the event will be successfully staged once the new dates arrive.

The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semi-finalists will automatically secure places at the global tournament, while another African team will have the opportunity to qualify through an intercontinental play-off.