South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabe, suggested that South Africa would take over hosting rights from Morocco for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 which Initially caused confusion.
The Minister’s statement prompted widespread reports claiming South Africa was confirmed as the new host less than two months before WAFCON 2026 starts.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has officially clarified that South Africa has not been confirmed as host of WAFCON 2026.
McKenzie stated no formal decision has been made to relocate the tournament from Morocco, which is currently the official host.
He explained that the remarks by the deputy minister should not be taken as a formal confirmation of South Africa hosting.
South Africa has expressed willingness to assist and could support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if needed, but this is contingency readiness, not a confirmed hosting role.
CAF has not initiated any process to transfer hosting rights, and Morocco remains the designated host.
Any actual switch would require formal CAF approval, government authorization, logistical verification, and infrastructure guarantees.
According to CAF and multiple reports, Morocco is still the designated host nation for WAFCON 2026, with the tournament scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
South Africa has not been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. McKenzie’s statement was a clarification to correct earlier mixed messaging, not an announcement of a host change.
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