By South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie says the country is prepared to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) if the current host, Morocco, withdraws from staging the tournament.
McKenzie made the remark during a press briefing, citing growing uncertainty over Morocco’s readiness to organise the continental competition scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.
According to him, South Africa possesses the necessary infrastructure and experience required to successfully host the tournament if called upon.
“We are ready to host,” McKenzie said. “We will not allow countries that do not have the same infrastructure as ours to hold us hostage because people cannot make up their minds.”
Morocco remains the official host of the competition, but reports have suggested the possibility of a late withdrawal. McKenzie argued that South Africa’s stadiums, transport systems and overall sporting infrastructure place it in a strong position to take over hosting duties.
“We have the stadiums, the people, infrastructure and transport systems that are better than any country in Africa,” he added.
The minister also expressed concern about what he described as the absence of visible preparations and promotional activities for the tournament in Morocco.
“There is no marketing around the tournament; there is nothing,” he said. “I think we are dealing with a situation where it cannot be anyone but South Africa.”
The tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football, will feature the continent’s top national teams, including defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team.
Meanwhile, the Ghana women’s national football team have already secured qualification after finishing third at the previous edition, their first podium finish since 2018.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not issued any official statement regarding Morocco’s hosting status, but South Africa has made it clear it is ready to step in should the need arise.
