South Africa have stepped in to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following Morocco’s reported withdrawal just 60 days before the tournament’s scheduled kick-off.
The competition is set to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, under a tight timetable after the delayed 2024 edition, which was affected by global scheduling issues, including the Paris Olympics. It will feature an expanded 16-team format, although it remains unclear whether the dates will change following the change of host.
The development was confirmed on Sunday night by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, during the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg. She announced that South Africa would take over hosting duties after Morocco’s sudden decision to pull out.
Mabe said the handover had been finalised, leaving South Africa with limited time to prepare for the continent’s flagship women’s football tournament, which also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Morocco’s withdrawal has come as a surprise, particularly after the country recently hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. While neither Moroccan authorities nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have issued an official explanation, reports suggest the decision may be linked to domestic tensions following the AFCON final in Rabat, where the hosts lost to Senegal.
Despite the short notice, South Africa are experienced hosts of major women’s football events. Banyana Banyana won the WAFCON title on home soil in 2022, reinforcing the country’s status as a leading force in African women’s football.
The 2026 WAFCON carries added importance, with the four semi-finalists qualifying automatically for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The remaining two African places will be decided through inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists.
