Here is the latest update as reports have emerged regarding the possibility of WAFCON 2026 being hosted by a new country.
Significant confusion has surfaced regarding the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following conflicting reports from South African officials. During a recent awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe, announced that South Africa would be taking over hosting duties from Morocco.
Mabe expressed confidence in the country’s readiness, pointing to its well-maintained stadiums and the successful management of the recent G20 Conference as evidence that South Africa could handle the event despite the tournament being only 60 days away.
However, the national sports ministry quickly issued a corrective statement to clarify the situation. They noted that Morocco remains the officially recognised host and that no formal decision has been made to relocate the competition.
The ministry further explained that any venue change would necessitate official approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a formal sign-off from the South African cabinet.
The tournament is currently scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and serves as the primary qualifying path for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
While rumours of a Moroccan withdrawal have circulated following recent continental tensions, CAF has not released any official documentation confirming a change. For now, despite the Deputy Minister’s earlier enthusiasm, the event’s location remains officially unchanged.