South Africa Yet to Be Confirmed as Replacement Hosts for WAFCON as Sports Minister Issues Clarification

South Africa has not been officially confirmed as the replacement host for the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite widespread reports suggesting that the country was set to take over hosting duties from Morocco. This clarification was issued by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, following remarks made earlier by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe that appeared to suggest South Africa was ready to step in.

The confusion began on Sunday night during the HollywoodBets Super League Awards ceremony, an event celebrating South Africa’s top-tier women’s football league. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Mabe stated that South Africa had seized an opportunity to host the tournament after Morocco reportedly indicated it could no longer do so. Her comments, reported by ESPN and other outlets, suggested that the decision was effectively settled.

According to Mabe, South Africa had confidently put itself forward due to its proven capacity to host major international events. She cited the country’s experience hosting the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup, as well as the successful staging of the G20 summit in November, as evidence of South Africa’s readiness in terms of hospitality, infrastructure, and logistical coordination. Mabe also pointed to the availability of modern stadiums and the country’s existing sporting ecosystem as factors that would enable it to host WAFCON with minimal disruption, even with the tournament scheduled to begin in mid-March.

She further indicated that, with less than two months to the planned kickoff, the government was not overly concerned about timelines and was prepared to activate necessary systems immediately. However, crucially, her remarks had not been officially verified or endorsed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament’s governing body.

Hours after Mabe’s comments gained traction, Minister Gayton McKenzie released a formal statement distancing the government from any assumption that South Africa had already secured hosting rights. McKenzie emphasized that discussions surrounding the tournament were still at a preliminary stage and that no formal decision had been taken by CAF to relocate the competition.

In his statement, McKenzie clarified that South Africa had merely expressed its willingness to support CAF should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary. He stressed that these engagements were part of CAF’s broader contingency planning and responsible governance, rather than an indication that Morocco had been stripped of hosting duties.

“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,” McKenzie said. He added that CAF had not yet initiated any alternative hosting process.

The minister outlined several conditions that would need to be met before South Africa could formally assume hosting responsibilities. These include official confirmation from CAF that alternative arrangements are required, approval through relevant cabinet processes, confirmation of host cities and stadium availability, and the conclusion of government guarantees and operational agreements in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders.

McKenzie also sought to contextualize Mabe’s remarks, describing them as reflective of South Africa’s longstanding commitment to supporting African football and confidence in its hosting capabilities, rather than an official declaration. He stressed that no announcement regarding hosting rights should be considered valid until all required governance processes have been completed.

The episode has once again highlighted persistent challenges in African football administration, particularly around communication and event planning. With WAFCON scheduled to begin in less than two months, uncertainty over the host nation raises concerns about logistics, team preparations, fan travel, and commercial arrangements.

CAF has yet to issue a public statement confirming Morocco’s withdrawal or announcing any change to the tournament’s hosting arrangements. Until such confirmation is made, Morocco remains the official host, and any alternative scenarios remain speculative.

Despite the confusion, South Africa’s expression of readiness underscores its ambition to remain a leading destination for major sporting events on the continent. In his statement, McKenzie reaffirmed the government’s long-term strategy of leveraging international sports hosting to promote tourism, economic growth, and the country’s global image.

As African women’s football continues to grow in profile and importance, stakeholders have emphasized the need for clearer communication, timely decision-making, and stronger institutional coordination. With the tournament fast approaching, attention will now turn to CAF for definitive guidance on WAFCON 2026, as teams, fans, and federations await clarity on where Africa’s premier women’s football competition will be staged.