African football was thrown into uncertainty on Sunday after South Africa announced it will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), replacing Morocco just weeks before the tournament is due to begin.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, confirmed the decision during a national television broadcast, saying the country stepped in after Morocco indicated it could no longer host the competition.
“We took advantage of an opportunity because we have the required infrastructure and support,” Mabe said. “When Morocco said they would not be able to organise the tournament, South Africa made itself available and ready to host.”
The tournament was originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, but officials say it may be postponed by up to two weeks to allow South Africa sufficient time to prepare. No new dates have been officially announced.
So far, neither Moroccan authorities nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given a formal reason for Morocco’s withdrawal. The decision has surprised many, especially as Morocco had already named host venues in Rabat, Casablanca and Fez.
Unconfirmed reports suggest political factors or unresolved tensions following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal may have played a role, although these claims have not been substantiated.
In the past, CAF has sanctioned countries that withdrew from hosting tournaments close to the start date. In 2015, Morocco was suspended and fined after pulling out of hosting the men’s Africa Cup of Nations over Ebola concerns, although those sanctions were later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
However, analysts believe CAF may take a more cautious approach this time, given the close working relationship between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and CAF Vice-President Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco.
Despite stepping down as hosts, Morocco’s women’s national team is still expected to take part in the tournament. They are provisionally placed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, pending final confirmation by CAF.
South Africa now faces the task of organising Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament at short notice, while CAF is under growing pressure to provide clear guidance to teams, sponsors and supporters.
For Morocco, the late withdrawal raises concerns about its future role as a host nation in African football, as the continent waits to see how the situation will be resolved.
