With a strong track record in hosting elite women’s football, South Africa has taken over hosting duties for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The development follows Morocco’s reported withdrawal just two months before the tournament was due to begin, leaving organisers with a narrow window to finalise preparations.
The announcement was made by Mabe during the Super League Awards in Johannesburg, where he confirmed that the hosting rights had been transferred to South Africa.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that South Africa will host the 2026 WAFCON, which is a qualification tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe said.
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Morocco’s withdrawal has raised questions, particularly given that the country recently hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. No official reason has been provided by Moroccan authorities or the Confederation of African Football (CAF), although the decision is widely believed to be linked to internal tensions following the AFCON final in Rabat, where the hosts were defeated by Senegal.
The 2026 WAFCON carries added significance, as the four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while two additional African teams will be decided through inter-confederation play-offs.
The tournament was originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3 and will feature 16 teams under an expanded format. It remains unclear whether the schedule will be adjusted following the late change of hosts.
Despite the logistical challenges posed by the late switch, South Africa’s credentials remain strong. Banyana Banyana won the WAFCON title on home soil in 2022, reinforcing the country’s status as one of Africa’s leading women’s football nations.
