South Africa Clarifies 2026 WAFCON Hosting Rumours

South Africa Clarifies 2026 WAFCON Hosting Rumours, Morocco Official Host
Minister McKenzie said Morocco remains official host; no decision made.
South Africa is only willing to assist CAF if needed.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has addressed reports suggesting that his country is set to replace Morocco as the host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement on Monday, McKenzie clarified that “no formal decision” has been made regarding the alleged replacement of Morocco. He confirmed that, for now, Morocco remains the official host of the tournament, which is scheduled to start on March 17.

The Minister explained that South Africa hosting WAFCON would require formal approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), cabinet clearance, and confirmation that venues and infrastructure are ready.

McKenzie’s statement comes after the country’s Deputy Sports Minister, Peace Mabel, earlier claimed that South Africa had taken over hosting duties. Mabel said Morocco had withdrawn from hosting the tournament just five weeks before its start and indicated that South Africa was prepared to step in.

However, McKenzie clarified that South Africa “has only indicated its willingness to support CAF if alternative hosting arrangements become necessary,” describing such contingency measures as part of CAF’s standard planning for major competitions.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the official designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not activated any alternative hosting process,” the statement added.