- South Africa will host WAFCON 2026 after Morocco pulled out.
- The switch comes less than seven weeks before kickoff.
- Tournament dates may be pushed back by two weeks.
- CAF is yet to issue an official explanation or statement.
South Africa has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), stepping in for Morocco just weeks before the tournament was due to begin, a move that has sparked widespread debate across African football.
African football was plunged into uncertainty late Sunday after South Africa announced it would host WAFCON 2026, replacing Morocco less than seven weeks before the scheduled kickoff.
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South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, confirmed the decision during a national television broadcast, explaining that the country stepped in after Morocco indicated it could no longer organise the tournament.
“We seized an opportunity that presented itself because we have the necessary infrastructure and support,” Mabe said.
“When Morocco said they wouldn’t be able to organise it, we said South Africa is available and ready to host.”
The tournament was originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, but officials say it may now be delayed by up to two weeks to allow South Africa adequate preparation time. No revised dates have yet been announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Neither Moroccan authorities nor CAF have offered an official explanation for the sudden withdrawal, despite Morocco previously confirming venues in Rabat, Casablanca and Fez.
Speculation has linked the decision to political factors or unresolved tensions following the controversial 2025 AFCON final against Senegal, although no evidence has been presented to support these claims.
Historically, CAF has sanctioned host nations that withdraw close to tournament dates. Morocco was suspended and fined in 2015 after pulling out of hosting the men’s AFCON over Ebola concerns, sanctions later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Observers believe CAF may adopt a more lenient approach this time, citing the close working relationship between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan federation vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa.
Despite stepping down as hosts, Morocco’s women’s national team is still expected to compete and remains provisionally listed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, pending CAF’s final confirmation.
South Africa now faces the task of delivering Africa’s premier women’s football tournament at short notice, while CAF is under pressure to reassure teams, sponsors and fans.