The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially ended weeks of speculation surrounding the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), confirming that Morocco will remain the host nation as originally announced.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the rumours during and after an Executive Committee meeting held in Dar es Salaam on Friday, stating unequivocally that the tournament will go ahead as scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Motsepe: “We Still Have an Engagement With Morocco”
Reacting to reports suggesting a possible change of host or postponement, Motsepe dismissed the claims and reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to Morocco.
“There are discussions taking place, and a lot of competitions. Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host it,” Motsepe said.
“As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco.”
The CAF president further explained that while interest from other countries existed, time constraints and CAF’s strict hosting standards made Morocco the most viable option.
“They were many countries that wanted to host it, but because we didn’t have time and our standards were very high.”
“The WAFCON continues, as we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco.”
No Date Change as WAFCON Tied to WC’ Qualification
Motsepe also ruled out any possibility of rescheduling the tournament, stressing that WAFCON plays a crucial role in the qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We can’t change the date because it is part of the qualification pathway for the Women’s World Cup,” he said.
“WAFCON will continue and it will be successful.”
The 2026 WAFCON will help determine Africa’s representatives for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making adherence to the fixed calendar essential.
How South Africa Entered the WAFCON 2026 Conversation
Confusion over the hosting arrangements emerged after Peace Mabe, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, suggested that South Africa could step in to host the tournament if necessary.
This cited their stadium readiness and South Africa’s experience in staging major sporting events, fuelling speculation that Morocco might be replaced.
However, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, quickly moved to clarify the situation.
McKenzie insisted that “no formal decision” had been made to change the host nation and explained that South Africa’s position was merely a contingency plan.
An official statement from South Africa’s Ministry of Sport later reiterated that while the country is willing to assist CAF if required, Morocco remains the designated host, and any alternative arrangement would need formal CAF approval and government clearance.
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Third Straight WAFCON for Morocco
If held as confirmed, the 2026 edition will mark the third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, following the successful tournaments staged in 2022 and 2024.
The upcoming edition will also feature an expanded 16-team format, reinforcing its status as Africa’s flagship women’s football competition.
CAF Draws the Line on WAFCON 2026
In closing, Motsepe emphasised CAF’s confidence in both the host nation and the tournament’s future.
“The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will proceed and will be successful, and we will ensure that the tournament takes place within the specified timeframe.”
