South Africa to host WAFCON 2026? Minister provides key update amid Morocco saga

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabe, suggested on Sunday that South Africa could step in to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following reports that Morocco might be unable to hold the tournament. Her remarks, made during the HollywoodBets Super League Awards—the top tier of South African women’s football—highlighted South Africa’s readiness to host, citing its infrastructure and experience with major international events. (SABC Sport)

Mabe told SABC Sport, “We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and support [to host] the WAFCON. When Morocco said: ‘We are not able to host,’ South Africa said: ‘Yes. We are available. We are going to take it.’” She added that the country’s successful hosting of the G20 summit in November and the 2010 men’s FIFA World Cup demonstrates its ability to manage large-scale international sporting events.

Mabe indicated that the tournament could still take place according to its original schedule—from March 17 to April 3, 2026—with minimal disruption. “Given the fact that it is in 60 days as well, we are not very much worried. We just have to put systems in place. From tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 2), we will begin,” she said.

However, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Gayton McKenzie, responded hours later to clarify that no official decision has been made. According to McKenzie, discussions over WAFCON 2026 are ongoing, and Morocco remains the officially designated host. (SA Government)

“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister… South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary,” McKenzie stated.

He emphasized that any potential hosting by South Africa would require:

• Formal confirmation from CAF that Morocco cannot host;

  
  
  

• Approval through the relevant Cabinet processes;

• Confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation, and transport capacity; and

• Completion of government guarantees and operational agreements.

McKenzie stressed that Mabe’s comments reflected South Africa’s longstanding engagement in supporting African football and confidence in its ability to host major events but did not constitute a formal confirmation of hosting responsibilities.

WAFCON 2024 was held in Morocco in July, where Nigeria defeated the hosts to claim the title, taking over from South Africa, who had won the previous 2022 edition in Morocco. The 2026 tournament is set to feature 16 teams, up from 12 last year, with the top two teams from four groups advancing to the quarter-finals. South Africa will compete in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.