Is WAFCON 2026 getting a new country to host?

Confusion Surrounds Hosting Rights for WAFCON 2026 After South Africa Claim

Fresh reports have sparked uncertainty over the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following conflicting statements from officials in South Africa regarding whether the tournament will remain in Morocco.

The confusion began during a recent awards ceremony in Johannesburg, where South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, publicly announced that South Africa would take over hosting duties from Morocco. Her statement immediately raised eyebrows across African football circles.

Mabe expressed confidence in South Africa’s readiness, highlighting the country’s modern stadium infrastructure and the successful organisation of the recent G20 Conference as proof that the nation could handle a major tournament on short notice. She also suggested that preparations could be completed despite the competition being only about 60 days away.

However, the optimism was quickly tempered. South Africa’s national sports ministry released a corrective statement clarifying that Morocco remains the officially recognised host of WAFCON 2026. According to the ministry, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament.

The statement further stressed that any change of venue would require official approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as a formal sign-off from the South African cabinet, none of which has occurred.

WAFCON 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and serves as Africa’s main qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

While rumours of a possible Moroccan withdrawal have circulated amid recent continental tensions, CAF has not released any official communication confirming a host change. Until such documentation is issued, the tournament’s location remains unchanged.

For now, despite the Deputy Minister’s earlier enthusiasm, Morocco is still the official host, and the situation remains one to watch as CAF maintains silence on the matter.