South Africa could potentially replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following reports that Morocco may have withdrawn from staging the tournament just 60 days before kickoff.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, made headlines after appearing on national television to announce that South Africa was ready to host the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “Tonight, I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON,” she said at a Johannesburg awards ceremony.
The competition is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, leaving a very tight window for preparations should the change go ahead.
However, hours later, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture issued a statement clarifying that the deputy minister’s remarks had been misunderstood. “No decision has been made regarding a possible relocation of the tournament, and Morocco remains the confirmed host country,” the statement read, adding that any change would require approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and formal government authorization.
The rumors of Morocco’s withdrawal emerged amid tensions following the men’s AFCON final, though CAF has yet to release an official update confirming a host change. Fans and stakeholders are now awaiting clarity as the countdown to the tournament continues.
