South Africa Clarifies: Morocco Remains Host of 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Credit: Min. Sports, Arts and Culture of S.A

South African sports authorities have moved swiftly to extinguish a growing firestorm regarding the host nation for the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

On Monday, February 2, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that no formal decision has been made to relocate the tournament from Morocco, despite earlier high-profile comments suggesting a late-stage switch to South Africa.

The diplomatic and logistical confusion was ignited on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards in Johannesburg. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabe, told attendees and media that South Africa would be stepping in to host the competition. Mabe’s announcement – which claimed Morocco was withdrawing just six weeks before kickoff – suggested that the “Rainbow Nation” had “seized the opportunity” based on its superior infrastructure and legacy from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Retraction: McKenzie Sets the Record Straight

The celebration was short-lived. Hours later, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie issued a firm communiqué to correct the record and prevent a diplomatic rift with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

McKenzie emphasized:

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”

McKenzie clarified that while South Africa has indicated its “willingness to support” CAF should any emergency arise, the continental body has not activated any contingency plans. Any change in hosting would require a complex series of approvals, including a formal CAF decree, South African Cabinet sign-off, and rigorous infrastructure readiness assessments. As of today, CAF continues to list Morocco as the host for the third consecutive time, with the tournament scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Tournament Breakdown: A Historic 16-Team Expansion

The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone in African football, expanding from 12 to 16 teams.

Beyond continental pride, the stakes are exceptionally high: the tournament serves as the primary qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will earn automatic tickets, while losing quarter-finalists will enter inter-confederation play-offs.

Group	Teams	Primary Venue
Group A	Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya	Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Group B	South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania	Al Medina Stadium, Rabat
Group C	Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi	Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Group D	Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde	Fez Stadium, Fez

Why the Confusion?

The rumors of a Moroccan withdrawal gained traction on social media following the fallout of the 2025 Men’s Africa Cup of Nations final. Some unverified reports suggested that “heightened domestic tensions” following the men’s tournament might impact the WAFCON schedule. However, Moroccan authorities have consistently reiterated their readiness, highlighting ongoing stadium upgrades in Rabat and Casablanca as proof of their commitment to the women’s game.

For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the defending champions, the location remains a familiar battleground. Having beaten Morocco in the 2025 final to secure their tenth title, the Falcons are already deep in camp preparing for a March arrival in Casablanca. The brief hosting scare underscores the massive public interest in the tournament, which has seen record-breaking broadcast numbers since the 2022 edition.