WAFCON 2026: South Africa deny says it has taken over the hosting rights from Morocco
South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture issued a statement clarifying that Morocco remains the official host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following confusion over remarks by Deputy Minister Bertha Peace Mabe about the tournament.
The statement, signed by South African Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie, said Mabe’s comments “were misinterpreted.” South Africa had only expressed its readiness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if alternative arrangements became necessary as part of routine contingency planning, the ministry said.
“No decision has been made to move the tournament, and CAF has not activated any alternative procedures,” the statement said, adding that Morocco remains confirmed as the host nation.
The ministry emphasised that any future possibility of South Africa hosting the tournament would require official CAF confirmation, government approval, verification of stadiums and infrastructure readiness, and completion of all required government guarantees, in partnership with the South African Football Association and other stakeholders.
Earlier, the country’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabe, said South Africa is set to take over hosting duties for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Should South Africa eventually be confirmed as host, it would mark a return to familiar territory. South Africa last hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, having previously staged the tournament in 2000 and 2004.
