South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has moved to dispel speculation surrounding the hosting of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), affirming that Morocco remains the officially designated host of the tournament.

 

The clarification comes in the wake of comments made by Deputy Minister Bertha Peace Mabe at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, where she stated that South Africa was prepared to step in should the need arise. Her remarks sparked widespread media reports suggesting that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting duties, with South Africa poised to take over the tournament scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026.

 

However, in a media release issued on Sunday, 1 February 2026, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, dismissed the reports, stating that no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament.

 

“Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 WAFCON,” the Ministry said, noting that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not initiated any process to identify an alternative host.

 

The Ministry further explained that CAF’s most recent official communications, including the tournament draw conducted in January 2026, continue to recognise Morocco as the host nation.

 

According to the statement, engagements between South Africa and CAF are part of routine contingency planning aimed at ensuring the smooth delivery of major continental competitions.

 

“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support CAF if required, should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary,” the statement read.

 

The Ministry was, however, emphatic that such readiness should not be interpreted as confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities, stressing that no hosting decision can be taken unless CAF formally declares the need for an alternative host and follows due process.

 

Until then, the Ministry maintained, Morocco remains firmly in place as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.