𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗪𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗢𝗡 — 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿!

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗪𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗢𝗡 — 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Johannesburg — Amid widespread speculation and conflicting public statements, Morocco has been reaffirmed as the official host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), according to South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. His clarification follows growing confusion over claims that South Africa could replace Morocco as host of the tournament .
The controversy began over the weekend when South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe, suggested during the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards that South Africa would take over hosting duties following Morocco’s alleged withdrawal. She cited the country’s modern stadium infrastructure, hospitality capacity, and past experience — including hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup — as factors that would allow South Africa to step in with about 60 days remaining before kickoff .
However, Minister McKenzie later issued a formal clarification through his office, stressing that no official decision has been taken to relocate the tournament and that Morocco remains the designated host unless the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces otherwise.
According to the statement, South Africa’s expressed “readiness to support CAF” was routine contingency planning rather than confirmation of a hosting transfer. The minister’s office emphasized that any potential change in host nation would require formal CAF approval, government clearances, verification of infrastructure readiness, and binding guarantees involving the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders.
The conflicting remarks have sparked intense debate across African football circles, with several media outlets reporting on the possibility of South Africa stepping in, while both CAF and South African authorities have yet to issue any official confirmation of a host change.
For now, Morocco retains its status as host of the 2026 WAFCON, and CAF’s official tournament timeline remains unchanged, pending any future announcement by the continental governing body
Background
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is expected to feature 16 national teams and will play a critical role in determining continental rankings as well as qualification pathways into major FIFA competitions. Preparations for the tournament continue amid ongoing discussions surrounding logistics and hosting responsibilities.
Citation:
1.TimesLIVE
https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-02-02-gayton-mckenzie-clarifies-sa-not-confirmed-as-2026-wafcon-hosts/

2.SABC News
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sa-to-host-2026-womens-africa-cup-of-nations-mabe/

3.Daily News (South Africa)
https://dailynews.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-02-02-sports-ministers-office-clears-confusion-over-south-africa-hosting-2026-wafcon/

4.Le7tv.ma (English)
https://en.le7tv.ma/2026/02/02/south-africa-denies-any-withdrawal-by-morocco-from-hosting-the-2026-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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