South Africa Denies Reports of Hosting 2026 Women’s AFCON

• Feb 02, 2026

South Africa’s sports minister has dismissed claims that the country has been confirmed as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, issued an official statement on Monday rejecting reports that South Africa will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, commonly known as WAFCON. He clarified that the reports were incorrect and stressed that South Africa has not been awarded hosting rights for the continental tournament.

According to McKenzie, Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 WAFCON, and no formal decision has been made to move the competition elsewhere. He said suggestions that the tournament had already been reassigned were misleading and should not be treated as confirmed information.

The minister explained that South Africa’s position is limited to offering support to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if the need arises. He noted that the country has merely expressed its willingness to assist should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary, but that this does not amount to being named as the new host.

McKenzie’s clarification followed remarks made a day earlier by Deputy Minister of Sport Peace Mabe. Speaking on Sunday at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Mabe indicated that South Africa was ready to “take over” hosting duties amid reports that Morocco had withdrawn from the role. Her comments were widely interpreted as confirmation that South Africa would host the tournament.

During her remarks, Mabe pointed to South Africa’s infrastructure as a key strength. She said the country has well-maintained stadiums and highlighted the recent hosting of a successful G20 Conference as proof of its capacity to stage major international events. She stated that South Africa was prepared to step in if required.

However, McKenzie cautioned that these comments should not be taken as an official announcement. He reiterated that no formal decision has been taken by CAF to relocate the tournament and that Morocco remains the confirmed host nation.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” McKenzie said in his statement.

The 2026 WAFCON is scheduled to be held from March 17 to April 3, 2026. Until CAF announces any changes, Morocco continues to hold hosting rights, with South Africa maintaining only a supportive role should the situation change.