South Africa will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), taking over from Morocco less than seven weeks before the tournament was scheduled to begin.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, confirmed the development on national television, saying the country stepped in after Morocco announced it could no longer organise the tournament.
“We seized an opportunity because we have the necessary infrastructure and support,” Mabe said. “When Morocco said they couldn’t host, we said South Africa is ready.”
The tournament, originally scheduled from March 17 to April 3, may be postponed by up to two weeks to give South Africa sufficient time to prepare. Revised dates are yet to be officially announced.
Morocco’s withdrawal comes despite having designated venues in Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez. The reasons for the withdrawal have not been formally explained by Moroccan authorities or the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Even though Morocco is no longer hosting, its women’s national team is expected to compete in the tournament. They are provisionally listed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya, pending CAF’s final confirmation.
South Africa now takes on the task of organising Africa’s premier women’s football competition, while CAF works to ensure smooth coordination for teams, sponsors, and fans.
Morocco’s late withdrawal raises questions about its future role as a host for major African football events.
