The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), dismissing speculation about a possible postponement or change of venue.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, made the clarification on Friday after the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam. He confirmed that the tournament will proceed as scheduled from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Addressing concerns surrounding the staging of the 16th edition of Africa’s premier women’s football competition, Motsepe acknowledged that discussions had taken place, noting that several countries had shown interest in hosting the tournament. However, he stressed that Morocco stepped in at a critical time and remains fully engaged with CAF.
“There is discussion taking place and a lot of competitions. Morocco came to assist. There were many countries that wanted to host it, but because we didn’t have time and our standards were very high, WAFCON continues. As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco,” he said.
Motsepe emphasised that altering the tournament dates is not an option, as it forms part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We can’t change the date because it is part of the qualification pathway for the Women’s World Cup. WAFCON will continue and it will be successful,” he added.
The controversy emerged after Peace Mabe, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, suggested that her country was prepared to replace Morocco, citing stadium readiness and experience in hosting major events.
However, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, clarified that no formal decision had been taken to change the host nation. He explained that South Africa’s position was merely a contingency plan and not an indication that Morocco had lost its hosting rights.
Any relocation of the tournament, he noted, would require CAF approval and the necessary governmental clearances.
The 2026 edition will mark the third consecutive time Morocco hosts WAFCON, following the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.
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