The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has dismissed widespread speculation surrounding the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), confirming that the tournament will proceed as scheduled in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

Speaking during a press conference at CAF’s Executive Council meeting in Dar es Salaam, Motsepe acknowledged that discussions had taken place regarding the competition but insisted that Morocco remains the officially designated host nation.

“There are discussions taking place, and there are a lot of competitions. Morocco came to assist because many countries wanted to host it, but because we didn’t have time, our standards were very high,” Motsepe said.

He further clarified that while some countries had expressed interest in staging the tournament on different dates, no decision has been taken to relocate or postpone the event.

“As we speak now, we still have engagements with Morocco because some of the other countries say they want to host it, but want the date changed,” he added.

In recent weeks, reports circulating online suggested that Morocco might step aside as host, with South Africa mentioned in some quarters as a potential alternative venue. However, CAF’s latest statement has firmly put those rumours to rest.

The confirmation comes at a time of significant transition in African football, with adjustments to competition calendars and ongoing discussions around future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Attention has also intensified on the women’s game, particularly as the 2026 edition will be the largest in the competition’s history.

CAF has expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, a move widely regarded as a major boost for women’s football development across the continent. The expansion is expected to increase competitiveness and provide more nations with the opportunity to participate on the continental stage.

With just weeks to kick off, CAF says preparations remain on course and that logistical arrangements are being closely monitored to ensure a successful tournament.

“The WAFCON continues, it’s going to be successful, and we will make sure it takes place within the window,” Motsepe assured.

Morocco, which has invested heavily in football infrastructure in recent years, is now set to welcome Africa’s best women’s national teams for what promises to be a landmark edition of the continental showpiece.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Morocco has firmly dismissed reports suggesting it is set to relinquish hosting rights for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting that preparations for the tournament remain firmly on track.

The women’s continental championship is scheduled to kick off on March 17, but speculation has swirled in recent weeks that the event could be moved to another country. The rumours followed controversy surrounding last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final, which triggered questions about Morocco’s continued role as host.

Those claims gained further traction after comments attributed to South Africa’s deputy minister of sport at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, where South Africa was mentioned as a potential alternative host should Morocco step aside.

However, the speculation has since been played down by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who publicly distanced the government from any suggestion that South Africa was in line to replace Morocco.

Reinforcing Morocco’s position, a source within the inner circles of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) told Sports Village Square that the North African country remains fully committed to hosting WAFCON as scheduled.

According to the source, there has been no official communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicating any change of host, and all organisational plans are proceeding as planned.

With less than a month to the start of the tournament, Morocco appears determined to press ahead, dismissing the rumours as unfounded and reaffirming its readiness to stage Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

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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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