The Confederation of African Football has set new dates for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Ghana’s women’s national team, the Black Queens, remains in the United Arab Emirates due to airspace closures caused by regional tensions.
CAF announced on Thursday that the tournament in Morocco has been rescheduled and will no longer occur from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders, the competition’s dates have been moved to July 25–August 16, 2026.
In a brief statement, CAF said the change was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the tournament “in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although authorities did not specify the reasons for the change, they confirmed that preparations remain on schedule.
This development occurs as Ghana’s Black Queens remain in Sharjah after their pre-tournament training camp in the UAE.
In two friendly matches at the camp, the team achieved 4-0 victories against both Hong Kong and Russia.
The team is unable to leave the country, as officials have suspended flights due to escalating regional conflicts.
After their final Pink Ladies Cup match against Tanzania on Friday, the players and officials are awaiting arrangements for safe travel out of the UAE.
Ghana enters the upcoming continental competition with optimism, having finished third at the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco and restoring confidence in the team’s ability to compete with Africa’s top teams.
