South Africa has moved to take over hosting rights for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following Morocco’s reported withdrawal just 60 days before the tournament’s scheduled kick-off.
The 2026 WAFCON is slated to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, under a tight schedule that follows the delayed 2024 edition, which was affected by global calendar pressures, including the Paris Olympics.
The development was confirmed on Sunday night by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who announced that the country would host Africa’s premier women’s football tournament after Morocco’s sudden decision to step aside.
Speaking at the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Mabe said the handover had been concluded, leaving South Africa with limited time to prepare for the competition, which also serves as a qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“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 withdrawal has raised eyebrows, coming shortly after the country hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. While neither Moroccan authorities nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have issued an official explanation, the decision is believed to be linked to heightened domestic tensions following the AFCON final in Rabat, where the hosts lost to Senegal.
The 2026 tournament was originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3 and will feature an expanded 16-team format. It is not yet clear whether the dates will be adjusted following the change in host nation.
Read Also;
Wike Threatens Forceful Access to Stadium Over Denied Rally Approval in Rivers
Reports suggest that the fallout from the AFCON final — marked by controversy, disciplinary issues and public criticism — may have increased pressure on Morocco to temporarily step back from hosting major CAF competitions.
Although the late switch presents a major logistical challenge, South Africa is well experienced in hosting high-profile women’s football events. The country staged the 2022 WAFCON, where Banyana Banyana clinched the title on home soil, reinforcing South Africa’s standing as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations carries added importance, with the expanded format granting automatic qualification to the four semi-finalists for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The remaining two African spots will be decided through inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists.
