The continent’s football landscape was plunged into disarray Sunday evening when South Africa revealed it would take over as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from Morocco, with fewer than seven weeks remaining until the tournament begins.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, confirmed this during a national television broadcast.
He said the country stepped in after Morocco indicated it could no longer stage the tournament.
“We seized an opportunity that presented itself because we have the necessary infrastructure and support,” Mabe said.
“When Morocco said they wouldn’t be able to organise it, we said South Africa is available and ready to host.”
The tournament, initially slated to run from March 17 to April 3, may now be postponed by up to two weeks to give South Africa adequate preparation time.
However, no revised dates have been officially confirmed.
Neither Moroccan authorities nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a formal explanation for the sudden withdrawal.
The decision has surprised many observers, particularly as Morocco had already designated venues in Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez.
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