South Africa Snatches WAFCON 2026 Hosting After Morocco’s Shock Last-Minute Withdrawal

In a stunning twist that’s sent shockwaves through African women’s football, South Africa has dramatically stepped forward to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco‘s surprise withdrawal – with the tournament set to kick off in under two months on March 17, 2026. This late-hour switch has sparked intense debate, confusion, and pan-African pride, as the continent rallies to ensure one of its flagship women’s competitions goes ahead without disruption.

The drama unfolded on February 2, 2026, when South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, made the bombshell announcement during the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards in Johannesburg.

“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 declared.

She emphasized South Africa’s immediate readiness: when Morocco indicated it could no longer organize the event, the Rainbow Nation responded without hesitation, “Yes, we are available.”

Morocco had been locked in as host since October 2024, poised to become the first nation to stage three consecutive WAFCON editions after successful runs in 2022 and 2024. The tournament – expanded to 16 teams and running March 17 to April 3, 2026 – doubles as crucial qualifiers for the expanded 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Morocco’s abrupt exit, reportedly just 43–60 days before kick-off, has left fans and analysts speculating wildly.

No official statement has come from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) or CAF explaining the move, fueling rumors tied to fallout from the chaotic 2025 men’s AFCON final hosted by Morocco, including stadium issues, fan incidents, domestic political pressures, or logistical overload from back-to-back major events.

However, the situation quickly turned chaotic. Hours after Mabe’s announcement, South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie issued a clarifying statement: “At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.” As of early February 2026, CAF has yet to confirm any host change, leaving the status in limbo and highlighting the high-stakes, fast-moving nature of continental football decisions.

Despite the uncertainty, South Africa’s proactive stance has ignited excitement across the continent. With proven infrastructure from hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, previous WAFCON editions (2000, 2008, 2010), and recent global events like the G20 summit, venues such as FNB Stadium, Moses Mabhida, and Cape Town Stadium stand ready.

The nation’s experience minimizes risks of cancellation, ensuring teams – including powerhouses Nigeria’s Super Falcons, defending champions (potentially Banyana Banyana), and rising stars from across Africa – can focus on qualification battles rather than logistical nightmares.
This episode carries powerful pan-African significance.

South Africa’s willingness to step up embodies continental solidarity, preventing a potential crisis and reinforcing Africa’s collective strength in women’s football. It also spotlights the growing stature of WAFCON, which continues to elevate female talent and inspire youth participation from Cape to Cairo. For emerging nations in East, West, and Central Africa, the tournament remains a golden gateway to global stages.

Challenges loom

compressed preparation time, potential date adjustments, and urgent updates to travel, broadcasting, and ticketing. Yet if South Africa secures the nod, it could deliver a memorable edition that boosts women’s football momentum ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

As CAF works toward clarity, this host saga – born from surprise and resolved through readiness – reminds us why African football captivates the world: resilience, unity, and passion. Sport Blot is tracking every update – stay locked in for the latest on WAFCON 2026 and Africa’s unstoppable rise in the women’s game.