South Africa replaces Morocco as WAFCON 2026 host just 44 days before kick-off
African football was rocked on Sunday evening as South Africa announced it will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, replacing Morocco less than seven weeks before the tournament was due to begin.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, confirmed the decision on national television, stating: ‘We seized an opportunity that presented itself because we have the necessary infrastructure and support. When Morocco said ‘we won’t be able to organise it,’ we said ‘yes, South Africa is available, we’ll take it!’’
The competition, originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, may now be postponed by two weeks to allow South Africa time to prepare.
No official explanation has been given by Moroccan authorities or the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Morocco had already lined up venues in Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez, making the withdrawal surprising. Speculation suggests political tensions and lingering fallout from the controversial 2025 AFCON final against Senegal may have influenced the decision.
CAF traditionally punishes host withdrawals, especially so close to kick-off. In 2015, Morocco was suspended and fined after pulling out of hosting the men’s AFCON due to Ebola concerns, though those sanctions were later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This time, however, the close ties between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Vice-President Fouzi Lekjaa could mean a more conciliatory approach.
Morocco’s women’s team is still expected to compete in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya, pending CAF confirmation.
South Africa now faces the challenge of staging the continent’s premier women’s football competition at short notice.
For Morocco, the decision raises questions about its future role in African football, while CAF must quickly clarify the situation to ensure confidence in the tournament’s organisation.
