Women’s AFCON 2026 commences in Morocco after scheduling delays

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has commenced in Rabat, Morocco, marking the start of the continental tournament after significant delays. Originally scheduled to take place last spring, the event has been postponed for several months before finally beginning on Sunday, according to France 24 International.

Algeria faced Senegal in the opening match of the competition, setting the stage for the remainder of the tournament. The delay has not altered the competitive landscape, with defending champions Nigeria beginning their title defence as the clear favourites to retain the trophy.

The tournament serves as a major fixture in African football, with Morocco hosting the 2026 edition. The postponement from the initial spring timeline has shifted the calendar for the participating nations, but the core structure of the competition remains intact as teams vie for continental supremacy.

While the focus in Rabat is on the football competition, the broader sports landscape on Sunday included other significant developments. In cycling, Richard Carapaz claimed victory on Stage 20 of the Tour de France, while Tadej Pogacar is poised to secure the overall title. In tennis, Quentin Halys captured his first ATP title in Kitzbuhel.

The commencement of WAFCON 2026 in Morocco follows a period of uncertainty regarding its start date. As the tournament unfolds in Rabat, attention turns to Nigeria’s ability to maintain their status as the dominant force in African women’s football against a field of determined contenders.