South Africa Addresses Reports About Replacing Morocco as 2026 WAFCON Host

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South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has provided clarity on recent reports suggesting that his country might take over from Morocco as the host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statement on Monday, McKenzie emphasized that “no formal decision” has been made regarding the alleged replacement of Morocco as the tournament host.

He further explained that, for now, Morocco remains the official host nation for the WAFCON, which is set to kick off on March 17.

McKenzie noted that South Africa hosting the tournament would require multiple approvals, including formal confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), cabinet clearance, and verification that suitable venues and infrastructure are ready.

The Minister’s remarks came after a statement from Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabel, who had claimed that South Africa would replace Morocco as the tournament’s host.

Mabel’s statement suggested that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting with only five weeks remaining and that South Africa was ready to step in.

However, McKenzie clarified that South Africa “has only expressed its willingness to assist CAF if alternative hosting arrangements are needed.”

He added that such measures are “part of CAF’s standard contingency planning” for major competitions.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been made to move the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not initiated any alternative hosting process,” the statement read.

According to Gossip News Now , the 2026 WAFCON is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.