South Africa Ready To Host 2026 WAFCON If Morocco Withdraws
South Africa Signals Readiness to Step In
SOUTH Africa has declared its readiness to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) if current host Morocco withdraws from staging the tournament.
The offer was made by Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, during a press briefing where he expressed concerns about reports suggesting uncertainty around Morocco’s preparations for the competition.
The continental tournament is scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026, featuring the top women’s national teams across Africa.
“We are ready to host,” McKenzie said, emphasising that South Africa has the capacity and infrastructure needed to stage the event at short notice.
Concerns Over Morocco’s Preparations
Although Morocco remains the officially designated host, speculation about its readiness has circulated in recent weeks. McKenzie pointed to what he described as a lack of visible preparations or promotional activity ahead of the tournament.
“There is no marketing around the tournament; there is nothing,” he said, suggesting that such signs typically accompany major sporting events well in advance.
According to the minister, South Africa’s proven experience in hosting international competitions makes it a strong alternative should the situation change.
Infrastructure and Experience Highlighted
McKenzie said the country already possesses the necessary stadiums, transport networks and logistical systems to stage the competition successfully.
“We have the stadiums, the people, infrastructure and transport systems that are better than any country in Africa,” he said.
South Africa has previously hosted several global sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which demonstrated its capacity to organise large-scale tournaments.
CAF Yet to Clarify Hosting Status
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not issued any official update regarding Morocco’s hosting status.
The tournament is expected to feature leading teams from across the continent, including defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team, widely known as the Super Falcons.
Also among the qualified teams are Ghana women’s national football team, popularly called the Black Queens, who secured their place after finishing third in the previous edition.
For now, Morocco remains the designated host, but South Africa’s government has signalled that it is ready to step in should circumstances require a change.
