The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new dates for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while the Ghana women’s national football team, the Black Queens, remain stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to airspace disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the region.
CAF confirmed on Thursday that the tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco, has been moved from its original window of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
The competition will now be staged from 25 July to 16 August 2026, following consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a brief statement, CAF explained that the change was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the tournament “in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
The continental governing body did not provide specific details about the issues behind the adjustment but indicated that preparations for the competition remain on course.
The development comes as Ghana’s Black Queens remain in Sharjah after completing a pre-tournament training camp in the UAE.
During the camp, the team played two friendly matches, recording convincing 4–0 victories over Hong Kong women’s national football team and Russia women’s national football team.
However, the squad’s departure from the country remains uncertain after authorities suspended air transport in parts of the region amid rising tensions.
Players and officials are currently awaiting clearance and travel arrangements that will allow them to safely leave the UAE after their final Pink Ladies Cup match against fellow WAFCON participants Tanzania women’s national football team on Friday.
Ghana heads into the next continental cycle with renewed confidence after securing third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a performance that reignited belief in the Black Queens’ ability to compete with Africa’s elite.