It was a tale of surprise on Sunday night after South Africa unexpectedly stepped in to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following Morocco’s sudden withdrawal just weeks before the tournament is due to begin.
The development, confirmed publicly by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, comes with barely 60 days, and possibly as few as 43–44 days to the scheduled kick-off.
This incident threw African football into turmoil and reportedly placed enormous pressure on organisers and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
WAFCON 2026: Morocco Pulls Out at the Eleventh Hour
The 2026 WAFCON, originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, was set to be staged in Morocco for a third consecutive time.
This tells the story of the kingdom’s heavy investment in football infrastructure as it builds towards co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
However, in a stunning late twist, Morocco has impromptu withdrawn from hosting duties, despite having recently staged the men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just weeks earlier.
Neither Moroccan authorities nor CAF have issued an official explanation for the withdrawal.
Speculation suggests the decision may be linked to domestic and political tensions following the controversial 2025 AFCON final in Rabat, where hosts Morocco lost to Senegal, with the aftermath reportedly resulted in disciplinary issues, public criticism and maybe, growing internal pressure.
South Africa Confirmed as Emergency WAFCON Hosts
Speaking at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Peace Mabe confirmed that South Africa would take over hosting responsibilities.
“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.
“We Are Ready” – South Africa’s WAFCON Pedigree Explained
South Africa are no strangers to elite women’s football hosting. Banyana Banyana lifted the WAFCON trophy on home soil in 2022.
Beyond WAFCON, South Africa has tabled a bid to host the 2028 AFCON, with reports indicating a broader long-term strategy to stage major global sporting events.
In a separate interview with SABC Sports, Mabe insisted South Africa has the infrastructure, experience and organizational capacity to deliver the tournament successfully, despite the extremely short notice.
“We took an opportunity because we feel that we have the necessary infrastructure to support hosting the WAFCON.”
“When Morocco said that they will not be able to host the WAFCON, South Africa said yes, we are able to host it,” she stated.
She pointed to South Africa’s recent hosting of major international events as proof of readiness.
“It cannot be debatable because we just hosted the G-20 where heads of states from different countries were here.”
“In terms of hospitality, we are ready.”
“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums, we have them. We have hosted the World Cup.”
“From tomorrow (Monday), we will begin preparation.”
South Africa boasts 13 CAF-approved stadiums, a key factor in its ability to step in at short notice.
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CAF Under Pressure as Timeline Tightens
With the tournament originally planned for March 17 to April 3, reports suggest the competition could be postponed by up to two weeks to give South Africa adequate preparation time, although no revised dates have been officially confirmed.
CAF now faces mounting pressure to:
- Confirm final tournament dates
- Reassure participating teams and sponsors
- Clarify venue allocations
- Address Morocco’s withdrawal publicly
Historically, CAF has sanctioned host nations for late withdrawals. In 2015, Morocco was suspended and fined after pulling out of hosting the men’s AFCON over Ebola concerns.
However, sanctions were later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Observers, however, believe CAF may adopt a softer stance this time, given the close working relationship between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and CAF Vice-President Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco.
Expanded WAFCON With World Cup Stakes
The 2026 WAFCON will feature an expanded 16-team format and carries added importance as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
- The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically
- Two additional African teams will advance via inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists
Despite stepping down as hosts, Morocco’s women’s national team is still expected to compete, provisionally listed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, pending CAF’s final confirmation.
