The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with CAF President Patrice Motsepe citing the need to increase prize money for the tournament's winner as a key reason for the delay. The announcement underscores CAF's stated commitment to improving financial rewards for women's football on the continent.
Motsepe has been vocal about his desire to elevate the status of women's football in Africa, and the postponement is framed as a step toward ensuring that the tournament offers more competitive and attractive prize money. The move is intended to bring greater recognition and financial support to the women's game across African nations.
The 2025 Women's AFCON was held in Morocco, with the host nation claiming the title. The decision to delay the next edition reflects ongoing efforts by CAF leadership to restructure the financial framework surrounding its flagship women's competition.
No new confirmed date for the rescheduled tournament has been officially announced as of April 2026. CAF has indicated that further details regarding the revised prize money structure and tournament timeline will be communicated in due course. Stakeholders across African football federations are awaiting clarity on the new schedule.
