South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has dismissed claims that the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that Morocco remains the official host of the tournament.
In a statement issued on Monday, McKenzie said no formal decision had been taken to relocate the competition from Morocco, countering earlier remarks credited to the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who had suggested that South Africa was set to take over hosting duties following Morocco’s alleged withdrawal.
McKenzie clarified that South Africa has only expressed its readiness to support the Confederation of African Football if the need arises, stressing that such expressions are part of CAF’s routine contingency planning for major tournaments. According to him, CAF has not activated any alternative hosting process and Morocco remains the designated host of the competition, which is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
The minister explained that for South Africa to host the tournament, several conditions would have to be met, including formal approval from CAF, clearance by the South African cabinet, and confirmation of the availability and readiness of venues and supporting infrastructure.
The clarification followed comments made by Deputy Minister Mabe at the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on Sunday night, where she announced that South Africa would host the 2026 WAFCON after Morocco reportedly pulled out with weeks to the kick-off. Mabe also described the tournament as a key qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Reports of Morocco’s withdrawal had sparked widespread speculation, especially given the tight schedule of the 2026 WAFCON, which follows a delayed 2024 edition affected by global scheduling challenges, including the Paris Olympics. However, no official statement has been issued by Moroccan authorities or CAF confirming any withdrawal or change of host.
Morocco is poised to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive time and finished as runners-up in the last two editions, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024. The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded 16-team format, with the four semi-finalists qualifying automatically for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while two additional African slots will be decided through inter-confederation play-offs.
While South Africa has experience hosting major women’s football events, including winning the WAFCON on home soil in 2022, McKenzie maintained that, for now, there is no change in hosting rights and Morocco remains firmly in charge of staging the 2026 competition.
