South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has dismissed reports suggesting that the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In a statement issued on February 2, McKenzie clarified that no official decision has been made to relocate the tournament from Morocco, which remains the designated host nation.
He emphasized that the competition is still scheduled to kick off on March 17, with no changes to the existing arrangements.
McKenzie’s clarification followed remarks credited to Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabel, who had implied that South Africa was set to host the tournament after Morocco allegedly withdrew just weeks before the opening match.
According to those claims, Morocco had stepped down from hosting duties, prompting South Africa to prepare to take over at short notice.
However, McKenzie explained that South Africa has merely expressed readiness to assist the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if the need arises, not that it has assumed hosting rights.
He noted that the country “has only signalled its willingness to support CAF should alternative hosting plans become necessary,” adding that such preparations are standard contingency measures by CAF ahead of major competitions.
“At this point, there has been no formal decision to move the tournament. Morocco remains the officially appointed host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and CAF has not activated any alternative hosting process,” the statement said.
The minister also pointed out that several requirements must be fulfilled before South Africa could host the tournament, including formal approval from CAF, clearance from the cabinet, and confirmation of readiness of stadiums, training venues, and other key infrastructure.
Morocco is expected to host the WAFCON for the third straight time, with the tournament slated to run from March 17 to April 3. The North African nation finished second in the last two editions, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024.