South Africa’s deputy minister of sport on Sunday announced that the country would replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, but the national sports ministry later said no formal decision has been taken and “Morocco remains the confirmed host country.”
Deputy Minister Peace Mabe told a Johannesburg awards ceremony: “Tonight, I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”
The tournament is due to run from 17th March to 3rd April 2026, leaving a tight window to prepare.
Hours after Mabe’s remarks, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture issued a clarification saying the deputy minister’s comments were misunderstood.
“No decision has been made regarding a possible relocation of the tournament, and Morocco remains the confirmed host country,” the ministry said, adding that any change would require CAF approval and formal cabinet sign-off.
Reports that Morocco had withdrawn surfaced amid tensions after the men’s AFCON final, but continental organisers — the Confederation of African Football — have not published an official change of host, and Moroccan authorities have not confirmed a withdrawal.
South Africa, however, said it stood ready to help if CAF, headed by their billionaire countryman Patrice Motsepe, requested an alternative host on short notice.
With teams already preparing and WAFCON serving as World Cup qualifying, players and fans face uncertainty until CAF and Morocco give a clear, written decision.
