South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has moved to clear the air over speculation surrounding the hosting rights for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that no official decision has been made to strip Morocco of the tournament.
The clarification followed comments by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, who suggested on Sunday that South Africa was prepared to step in should Morocco be unable to host the competition.
Speaking at the HollywoodBets Super League Awards, Mabe highlighted South Africa’s infrastructure, hospitality strength and track record in hosting major global events as key advantages.
“We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and support [to host] the WAFCON. When Morocco said, ‘We are not able to host,’ South Africa said: ‘Yes. We are available. We are going to take it,’” Mabe told SABC Sport.
“It cannot be debatable because we have just hosted a successful G20 [summit in November] where heads of states, of different countries, were here. It tells you that in terms of hospitality, we are ready as well.
“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums. We have hosted the [2010 men’s] soccer World Cup before, so we are ready – we can host it.”
However, McKenzie later released a statement distancing the government from any suggestion that the tournament’s hosting rights had changed hands. He stressed that Morocco remains the confirmed host and that any talks involving South Africa are purely precautionary.
He said, “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.
“These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game.
“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. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.”
The Confederation of African Football has so far remained silent on the matter, with no official confirmation of a potential host change or schedule adjustment.
Morocco also hosted the 2024 WAFCON, where Nigeria edged the Atlas Lionesses 3–2 in the final to lift the trophy.
