South Africa has reportedly emerged as the brand new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following claims that Morocco has withdrawn from its internet hosting duties.
The announcement was made on Sunday evening by Peace Mabe, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Tradition, through the Tremendous League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg.
The event, which additionally serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Ladies’s World Cup in Brazil, is presently scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Learn Additionally: CAF expands 2026 WAFCON to 16 teams
Based on Mabe, the “Rainbow Nation” will step in to stage Africa’s flagship ladies’s soccer competitors after Morocco’s sudden resolution to relinquish the internet hosting rights.
“Tonight, I wish to announce that South Africa might be internet hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which everyone knows is a qualifying event for the 2027 Ladies’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe mentioned.
If confirmed, South Africa would face a good preparation window for the expanded 16-team event, particularly with the competitors anticipated to be staged beneath a compressed calendar.
Nevertheless, there was no official affirmation from the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) relating to any change in host nation. Morocco has additionally not confirmed that it has given up the internet hosting rights, and no formal communication has been issued by the Moroccan Soccer Federation.
Hypothesis has linked Morocco’s reported withdrawal to political concerns or lingering tensions following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) closing towards Senegal, although these claims stay unverified.
Till CAF points an official assertion, the internet hosting standing of the 2026 WAFCON stays unclear, leaving taking part groups and followers awaiting readability.
