South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has rejected claims that the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Monday, McKenzie stressed that “no formal decision” has been made to replace Morocco as hosts of the tournament.
He reiterated that Morocco remains the officially designated host, with the competition scheduled to begin on March 17.
The minister was responding to remarks attributed to Deputy Minister of Sport Peace Mabel, who had suggested that South Africa had assumed hosting duties after Morocco allegedly pulled out just five weeks before the tournament’s start.
Mabel had claimed that Morocco withdrew from staging WAFCON and that South Africa was prepared to take over.
McKenzie, however, clarified that South Africa has only communicated its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football should the need arise.
He explained that South Africa “has only indicated its willingness to support CAF if alternative hosting arrangements become necessary.”
According to the minister, such preparations “are part of CAF’s routine contingency planning” ahead of major competitions.
“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the official designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not activated any alternative hosting process,” the statement said.
McKenzie also noted that several conditions would need to be satisfied before South Africa could host the tournament, including formal approval from CAF, cabinet clearance, and confirmation that venues and supporting infrastructure are available and ready.
NEWSCLICKNG Online reports that Morocco is set to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for a third straight time, with the tournament scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.
The North African nation finished as runners-up in the previous two editions, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024.
