Confusion over 2026 WAFCON hosting as South Africa makes unexpected claim

Confusion briefly surrounded the organization of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday, after a televised statement by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport suggested that the tournament would be hosted by South Africa rather than Morocco. The competition is currently scheduled to kick off in the Kingdom on March 17, 2026.

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Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe confirms that South Africa will be taking over from Morocco to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with only 60 days from kickoff.

? #SABCSport’s @flexmpumi #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/IFR4vqkZnR

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 1, 2026

The claim, aired on South African television, sparked immediate reactions, as it contradicted CAF’s official designation of Morocco as host.

The situation was swiftly clarified by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, in an official statement released later on Sunday. The ministry stressed that «at this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations». It further specified that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) «has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process».

Pretoria nonetheless acknowledged that it had expressed its availability to CAF «should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary», within the framework of exploratory discussions related to contingency planning. This remains a purely hypothetical scenario, the minister underlined, noting that any potential hosting by South Africa would require formal confirmation from CAF, as well as government approval and solid logistical and financial guarantees.

I know why I said what I said. Listen to what @GaytonMcK, her boss, has said, in an official statement just released now. ???‍♂️ Peace Mabe will be having a ministerial query to answer on Monday morning. https://t.co/bfI9QDuXlY pic.twitter.com/cHpVNSbo0Y

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) February 1, 2026

The Deputy Minister’s remarks «do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities», the statement added, describing them instead as reflecting a general willingness to support African football.

Pending an official position from CAF, Morocco remains the confirmed host of WAFCON 2026. However, the episode has highlighted what appears to be a premature and poorly coordinated communication from South African officials, unfolding in a broader context of tension between CAF and Morocco.