The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has put an end to speculation surrounding the venue of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that Morocco will retain hosting rights for the tournament.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the clarification following an Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, announcing that the competition will proceed as scheduled from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Motsepe acknowledged that several countries expressed interest in staging the championship but explained that time constraints and CAF’s strict hosting standards ultimately kept Morocco in place.
“There is discussion taking place and a lot of competition,” he said. “Morocco stepped in to assist. Many nations wanted to host, but we didn’t have time and our standards were very high. Engagement with Morocco is ongoing, and WAFCON continues.”
He also stressed that shifting the tournament dates was not an option, noting that the event forms part of the qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We can’t change the timeline,” Motsepe added. “WAFCON will go ahead, and it will be successful.”
The clarification follows comments by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who suggested that her country was prepared to step in for Morocco, citing stadium readiness and prior hosting experience.
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However, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, later played down the remarks, saying no official decision had been taken to replace Morocco.
He explained that South Africa’s involvement was merely a contingency arrangement and that any change of host would require formal CAF approval and government clearance.
The 2026 edition will mark Morocco’s third straight time hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.
Beyond continental glory, the competition will also serve as a key gateway for teams seeking qualification to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.