‘No formal decision reached – South Africa clarifies position on hosting 2026 WAFCON

Gayton McKenzie, minister of sports in South Africa, says “no formal decision” has been taken for the country to replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) .

McKenzie made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday.

He said Morocco remains the officially designated venue for the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on March 17.

The minister was responding to comments by Peace Mabel, deputy sports minister, who suggested South Africa had taken over hosting duties.

Mabel claimed Morocco had withdrawn with just five weeks left and that South Africa was ready to step in.

McKenzie, however, said South Africa “has only indicated its willingness to support CAF if alternative hosting arrangements become necessary”.

He explained that such measures are part of CAF’s normal contingency planning before 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 reads.

McKenzie noted that any hosting arrangement would still depend on CAF’s confirmation, cabinet approval, and the readiness of venues and infrastructure.

Morocco is expected to stage the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive time.

The competition will run from March 17 to April 3.

Morocco finished second in the last two editions, losing to South Africa in 2022 and to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024.