By Kunle Solaja.

South Africa has moved to clarify its position on the hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, stressing that it has not assumed hosting rights and that Morocco remains the officially designated host of the tournament.

In a statement issued this Monday, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the clarification followed remarks made by the deputy minister at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, which had sparked speculation over a possible relocation of the women’s continental championship.

The Minister explained that South Africa has merely expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary.

According to him, such discussions form part of ongoing contingency engagements initiated by CAF in line with its responsibility to safeguard the smooth organisation of the competition.

“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,” the statement emphasised.

The Minister further noted that CAF has not triggered any alternative hosting process. He added that any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance procedures, to be carried out in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other key stakeholders.

These requirements include formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are needed, approval through relevant Cabinet processes, confirmation of host cities and stadium availability, as well as adequate accommodation and transport capacity. Government guarantees and operational agreements would also need to be concluded before any hosting responsibility could be assumed.

McKenzie stressed that the Deputy Minister’s remarks reflected South Africa’s longstanding commitment to supporting African football and confidence in the country’s proven track record of hosting major international sporting events. However, he was clear that the comments should not be interpreted as a confirmation or assumption of hosting duties.

The Ministry said it would continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner, adding that any further announcements would only be made once all required processes had been completed and formal decisions taken.

The statement concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s long-term strategy of pursuing major sporting events as a means of boosting sport development, tourism, economic growth and the country’s global image.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will launch their quest for a record-extending continental title in Casablanca after the fixtures for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in Morocco were released on Thursday.

Drawn in Group C, Nigeria will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in what promises to be a competitive first-round battle. All Group C matches will be staged in Casablanca, giving the nine-time champions a single base as they bid to reclaim the title.

The tournament will be hosted across Rabat, Casablanca and Fès, with the Moroccan capital providing two venues, underlining the country’s growing reputation as a hub for major African football events.

For Nigeria, the fixtures represent another step in a familiar mission. The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in the history of the competition and will be expected to top Group C despite stern opposition, particularly from Zambia, who have emerged in recent years as one of the continent’s rising forces.

Egypt and Malawi, meanwhile, will be eager to upset the established order, making Nigeria’s opening group games crucial in setting the tone for the rest of their campaign.

Hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Former champions South Africa lead Group B with Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.

With the fixtures now confirmed, Nigeria’s focus will turn to preparation and squad selection as the Super Falcons aim to reassert their dominance on the continental stage and begin their WAFCON journey on familiar, high-pressure ground in Casablanca.

FIXTURES OF THE 14^TH WOMEN AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2026

Group A

Morocco

Algeria

Senegal

Kenya

Group B

South Africa

Cote d’Ivoire

Burkina Faso

Tanzania

Group C

Nigeria

Zambia

Egypt

Malawi

Group D

Ghana

Cameroon

Mali

Cape Verde

. Rabat (two venues), Casablanca and Fès to host matches

. Group C, headed by Nigeria, to play in Casablanca

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The upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 has taken an unexpected twist — and a welcome one for some. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, opening the door for four sides that had already kissed their qualification dreams goodbye.

Initially, only 12 teams were meant to feature at next year’s finals scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco. But after a meeting of CAF’s Executive Committee, the women’s showpiece will now mirror the growing inclusiveness of African football, with four more nations handed a dramatic late lifeline.

That development means Cameroon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali — all beaten in the final round of qualifiers — will now join the party as the best four losers, selected based on their FIFA rankings.

The decision effectively allows Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, both regional powerhouses who had fallen at the last hurdle, to “sneak in” through the back door — though few would argue they don’t deserve a place at Africa’s biggest women’s football event.

They join an already strong lineup that includes holders Nigeria, former champions South Africa and Algeria, as well as Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Morocco qualify automatically as hosts.

For Morocco, this will be their third time hosting the Women’s Cup of Nations, but this edition carries extra significance. The 2026 WAFCON doubles as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four finishers earning automatic tickets.

Interestingly, Morocco will also host the men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just months earlier — from December 22, 2025, to January 18, 2026 — featuring 24 teams.

With the expanded format, WAFCON 2026 promises not only more matches and more excitement, but also a broader stage for African women’s football to shine — even for those who, by fortune and ranking, have found a second chance.

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