South Africa has emerged as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco reportedly pulled out barely two months before the tournament’s opening match.
The competition is scheduled to take place between March 17 and April 3, 2026, following a shortened calendar caused by the postponement of the 2024 edition due to global sporting commitments, including the Paris Olympics.
The change in host nation was made public on Sunday evening by Peace Mabe, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. She disclosed that South Africa would assume hosting responsibilities after Morocco’s unexpected withdrawal.
Addressing guests at the Super League Awards in Johannesburg, Mabe confirmed that all arrangements for the transition had been concluded, leaving South Africa with limited time to organize the continent’s premier women’s football competition. The tournament also serves as part of Africa’s qualification process 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 decision has raised eyebrows, particularly as the country successfully hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations only weeks earlier.
While neither Moroccan officials nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have released an official statement explaining the move, the withdrawal is widely linked to internal unrest following the tense AFCON final in Rabat, where Morocco suffered defeat against Senegal.
The tournament, planned to feature 16 teams, was initially set for March 17 to April 3, though it is yet to be confirmed whether the dates will remain unchanged under the new host arrangement.
Reports indicate that the fallout from the AFCON final included disputes, sanctions, and widespread criticism, contributing to mounting domestic pressure on Morocco to temporarily step away from hosting major CAF events.
Despite the late notice, South Africa brings valuable experience to the task, having successfully staged major women’s football competitions in the past. The country famously claimed the WAFCON title at home in 2022, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
The stakes for the 2026 edition are particularly high. With the expanded format, the four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while two additional African representatives will emerge through inter-confederation playoff matches involving the quarter-final losers.
