The South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has denied claims that the country will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), dismissing earlier reports suggesting it would replace Morocco as the tournament venue.
On Sunday, February 1, Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabe had announced that South Africa would host the competition. However, the Ministry later clarified that no official decision or communication has been made regarding a change in hosting rights.
In a press release, Minister Gayton McKenzie stressed that comments by the deputy minister should not be taken as confirmation. Morocco remains the official host of the 16-team tournament, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
The statement noted, however, that South Africa could step in as an alternative host if the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were to request it.
South Africa has previously hosted WAFCON three times: in 2000, 2004, and most recently in 2010.
