The Confederation of African Football has announced new dates for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while the Ghana women's national 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 take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026 following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.
In a brief statement, CAF said the change was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the tournament “in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
The governing body did not specify the exact issues behind the adjustment but indicated that preparations for the event remain on course.
The development comes as Ghana’s Black Queens remain in Sharjah after competing in a pre-tournament training camp in the UAE.
The team played two friendly matches during the camp, defeating Hong Kong and Russia 4-0 in both games.
However, the squad's departure from the country is uncertain after authorities suspended air transport in response to rising tensions in the region.
The players and officials are currently waiting for arrangements that will allow them to travel safely out of the UAE after their last game in the Pink Ladies Cup against fellow WAFCON participants Tanzania on Friday.
Ghana heads into the next continental cycle with confidence after securing third place at the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, a performance that renewed belief in the team’s ability to challenge Africa’s elite again.
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