By Abuja, Nigeria
South Africa will now host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following Morocco’s reported withdrawal from staging the tournament, barely 60 days to the scheduled kick-off.
The tournament which is billed to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, under a compressed timetable impacted by global scheduling challenges, including the Paris Olympics.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, announced the development on Sunday night at the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mabe confirmed that the handover had been finalised, leaving South Africa with a tight window to prepare for Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament, which also doubles as a qualification pathway 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 confirmed.
Morocco’s withdrawal has come as a surprise, especially after the North African nation hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations just weeks ago.
