South Africa is set to take over as hosts of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco’s reportedly withdrew from staging the tournament just 60 days to the scheduled kick-off.
The 2026 WAFCON is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, following a compressed timetable after the 2024 edition was delayed due to global scheduling conflicts, including the Paris Olympics.
The development was confirmed on Sunday night by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who announced that the Rainbow Nation would assume hosting duties after Morocco’s sudden withdrawal.
Speaking at the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Mabe said the handover had been finalized, leaving South Africa with a limited time to prepare for Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament, which also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“Tonight, I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe said.
Morocco’s withdrawal comes as a surprise, especially after the North African nation recently hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations.
No official explanation has been provided by Moroccan authorities or the Confederation of African Football (CAF), but the decision is thought to be linked to rising domestic tensions following the dramatic AFCON final in Rabat, where the hosts lost to Senegal.
The 2026 WAFCON, originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, will feature an expanded 16-team format. It is yet unclear whether the dates will change following the change in hosts.
The aftermath of the AFCON final was marked by controversy, disciplinary actions and public criticism, with reports suggesting increasing internal pressure on Morocco to step back from hosting further major CAF competitions in the near term.
South Africa’s late confirmation as hosts poses significant logistical challenge, but the country has experience in staging top-level women’s football on the continent.
Banyana Banyana lifted the WAFCON trophy on home soil in 2022, a victory that highlighted South Africa’s status as one of Africa’s leading forces in the women’s game.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations carries added importance, as the expanded format allows the four semi-finalists to qualify automatically for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The remaining two African slots will be decided through inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists.
