Uncertainty over whether SA will step in to be last-minute WAFCON host

There’s uncertainty over the future of 2026’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and whether South Africa would step in at the last minute to host.

This follows contradictory statements made by Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabe, the department and Minister Gayton McKenzie.

The Women’s AFCON in 2026 is scheduled to be held in Morocco from 17 March 2026.

It has added significance, as it will also serve as a World Cup qualifier.

Speaking to the public broadcaster at the Women’s Super League awards on Sunday night, Mabe said South Africa had been offered the tournament’s hosting rights with just over a month before kick off.

“We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and the support, of course, of hosting WAFCON. When Morocco said they were unable to host, as South Africa we said ‘yes, we’re available, we’re going to take it’… look, we are ready - we can host it.”

No other body has made an official announcement about the future of the tournament.

Since then, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture released a statement, saying no formal decision has been taken to relocate the event.