South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has downplayed claims that the nation will replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), calling recent announcements “premature.”
The clarification follows a statement by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, who told media that South Africa “will be hosting” the tournament after Morocco allegedly stepped aside.
McKenzie, however, was quick to state that “no formal decision has been taken” and that Morocco remains the officially designated host.
While Mabe suggested South Africa had already accepted hosting duties, McKenzie clarified that CAF has not yet triggered an alternative hosting process.
South Africa has expressed “willingness to support” CAF should Morocco be unable to host, but these are currently labeled as “contingency discussions.”
With the tournament scheduled to begin on March 17, any host change would leave only 43 days for logistical preparations.
Morocco has hosted the previous two editions of the tournament, but the strain of its heavy sporting calendar has fueled rumors of a move.
South Africa, whose national team are the defending champions, remains ready to step in if requested.
CAF has yet to issue a formal comment on the matter.
