The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco remains the host nation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.
Speaking after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe addressed the rumors directly, confirming on Friday that the tournament will take place as planned from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Motsepe addressed rumors about the 16th edition of Africa’s women’s football league, saying, “There is discussion taking place, and a lot of competitions. Morocco came to assist.
“There were many countries that wanted to host it, but because we didn’t have time and our standards were very high, the WAFCON continues; as we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco.”
Motsepe also emphasized the importance of sticking to the agreed timeline. “We can’t change the date because it is part of the qualification pathway for the Women’s World Cup. WAFCON will continue, and it will be successful. ”.
The confusion over the host nation erupted after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, said the nation would step in for Morocco, citing stadium readiness and prior experience in hosting major events as justification.
South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, explained the matter, stating that “no formal decision” had been taken to replace Morocco and assuring that the North African country would remain the official host.
McKenzie said that South Africa’s willingness to assist was a backup plan, not a shift in hosting rights. Any formal relocation would require CAF permission and government consent.
The Morocco tournament will also go towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Morocco will host the third consecutive WAFCON in 2026, following the championships in 2022 and 2024.
