South Africa has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco reportedly withdrew from staging the tournament barely two months before kick-off.
The competition, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, had been under pressure due to a compressed calendar following the postponed 2024 edition, which was affected by global scheduling issues, including the Paris Olympics.
Morocco’s sudden exit has now forced the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to act swiftly to avoid further disruption.
The development was made public on Sunday night by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who announced that the country would assume hosting responsibilities for Africa’s flagship women’s football event.
Speaking at the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Mabe confirmed that the handover had already been concluded, despite the short preparation window.
“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,” she said.
Morocco’s decision has raised eyebrows, especially coming so soon after the country hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations.
While neither Moroccan authorities nor CAF have issued an official statement explaining the withdrawal, the move is believed to be linked to heightened domestic tensions following the dramatic AFCON final in Rabat, where the host nation lost to Senegal.
Reports suggest that the fallout from that final included controversy, disciplinary measures and strong public criticism, leading to increased internal pressure on Morocco to step back from hosting additional major CAF events in the short term.
The 2026 WAFCON is set to feature an expanded 16-team format and will serve as a direct qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four semi-finalists will secure automatic tickets to the global showpiece, while two additional African representatives will emerge through inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists.
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Although it remains unclear whether the original dates will be adjusted following the change in hosts, South Africa’s late confirmation presents a significant logistical challenge.
However, the country has a strong track record in hosting elite women’s football.
In 2022, Banyana Banyana lifted the WAFCON trophy on home soil, a landmark achievement that reinforced South Africa’s growing influence in the women’s game across the continent.
With preparations now underway, attention will turn to how smoothly South Africa can deliver the tournament at short notice—and whether the shift in venue will impact teams’ build-up to one of Africa’s most important women’s football competitions.