SA not confirmed as host of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

by Chumasande Matiwane
TOPSHOT - Nigeria's players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP) (Photo by ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa has not yet been confirmed to step up and host WAFCON as Morocco reportedly withdraws.

Last night at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe, announced that South Africa will be taking over from Morocco in hosting the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The WAFCON tournament is due to kick off in just 60 days.

According to IOL, Mabe said “Morocco was no longer able to host the tournament, but did not give a reason why, but added South Africa would have no problem in taking over”.

Morocco had previously hosted the men’s tournament, which ended last month with Senegal winning the title in a controversial final.

However, hours later, Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Gayton McKenzie stated that the announcement by Deputy Minister Mabe on Sunday night regarding South Africa replacing Morocco was premature.

Although South Africa has hosted many successful sports tournaments before, the WAFCON 2026 hasn’t been given to the country as of yet. Minister McKenzie responded in a statement that officially contradicts Mabe’s announcement, saying “As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),”. “South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary”.

“These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game.”

As of yet, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and the country of Morocco remains the officially designated host until an announcement is made to relocate the tournament.

Also see: Caf sanctions Senegal and Morocco after fiery Afcon 2025 final

Feature Image: Gettys