South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has clarified that no official decision has been taken regarding a change of host for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following comments by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe suggesting that South Africa would step in for Morocco.
Speaking on Sunday at the HollywoodBets Super League Awards, Mabe claimed South Africa was ready to host the tournament should Morocco be unable to do so, citing the country’s infrastructure, hospitality capacity and experience in producing significant international events.
We believe we have the infrastructure and support [to host] the WAFCON, so we seized the chance that came along. South Africa responded, “Yes,” after Morocco stated, “We are not able to host.” We’re available. We are going to take it,’” Mabe told SABC Sport.
“We recently hosted a successful G20 [conference] in November, where heads of state from various nations were there, so it cannot be contested. It indicates that we are also prepared in terms of hospitality.
“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums. We are prepared to host the [2010 men’s] soccer World Cup since we have already done so.
The minister claims that South Africa has just expressed its readiness to assist the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the event that alternate hosting arrangements are required. He clarified that these interactions are not equivalent to moving the tournament; rather, they are a component of CAF’s continuous contingency preparation.
He stated, “As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary.
“As it examines potential contingencies in accordance with the confederation’s responsible management of the continental game, these engagements are part of continuing conversations started by CAF.
“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. As of yet, no alternate hosting procedure has been initiated by CAF.
CAF has not yet released a statement confirming any modifications to the tournament calendar or host country.
Nigeria defeated the hosts 3-2 in the final of the 2024 edition, which took place in Morocco.
