South Africa Confirm Morocco Remain WAFCON 2026 Hosts Amid Rumours

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has moved swiftly to clarify the government's official stance amid rumours that Morocco has withdrawn from hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The confusion began during the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards on February 1, 2026, where the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, made remarks that many interpreted as a definitive announcement that South Africa would be taking over hosting duties from Morocco.

Peace Mabe highlighted South Africa’s world-class infrastructure and its recent success in hosting high-profile international events, such as the G20 summit, as evidence of the country's readiness to ‘seize the opportunity.’ However, the excitement was quickly met with a formal clarification from the Ministry.

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“We have the necessary infrastructure; our stadiums are well maintained,” Mabe said in part. “We have recently held a very successful G20 Conference here in South Africa. So, yes, we are ready.”

In a media statement released shortly after, Minister Gayton McKenzie emphasised that Morocco remains the officially designated host for the 2026 tournament.

Gayton McKenzie explained that while South Africa has expressed a ‘willingness to support’ the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should a change become necessary, no formal decision has been made to relocate the event.

"South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary,” the statement read in part.

“These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process."

The Minister's response serves as a diplomatic correction, ensuring that South Africa does not appear to be overstepping its bounds while Morocco holds the hosting rights.

McKenzie was careful to outline that hosting a major continental tournament is not a decision the Department can make unilaterally.

Any potential move to South African soil would require a rigorous "Plan B" protocol, including an official confirmation that alternative arrangements are required. detailed vetting through the South African government’s executive branch and finalising host cities, stadium availability, and securing government financial guarantees.

Despite the clarification, the underlying message from the Ministry remains one of ambition. South Africa’s interest in hosting WAFCON 2026 aligns with a broader strategy to boost tourism and economic growth through major sporting events.

The success of Banyana Banyana, the reigning African champions, has significantly increased the appetite for women's football in the country.

By positioning itself as a reliable ‘contingency host,’ South Africa is reinforcing its status as the continent's premier destination for international sport, even if the 2026 tournament stays exactly where it was originally planned.