BREAKING: South Africa Denies Hijacking 2026 WAFCON Hosting

By Kunle Solaja.

South Africa has moved to clarify its position on the hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, stressing that it has not assumed hosting rights and that Morocco remains the officially designated host of the tournament.

In a statement issued this Monday, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the clarification followed remarks made by the deputy minister at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, which had sparked speculation over a possible relocation of the women’s continental championship.

The Minister explained that South Africa has merely expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary.

According to him, such discussions form part of ongoing contingency engagements initiated by CAF in line with its responsibility to safeguard the smooth organisation of the competition.

“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,” the statement emphasised.

The Minister further noted that CAF has not triggered any alternative hosting process. He added that any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance procedures, to be carried out in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other key stakeholders.

These requirements include formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are needed, approval through relevant Cabinet processes, confirmation of host cities and stadium availability, as well as adequate accommodation and transport capacity. Government guarantees and operational agreements would also need to be concluded before any hosting responsibility could be assumed.

McKenzie stressed that the Deputy Minister’s remarks reflected South Africa’s longstanding commitment to supporting African football and confidence in the country’s proven track record of hosting major international sporting events. However, he was clear that the comments should not be interpreted as a confirmation or assumption of hosting duties.

The Ministry said it would continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner, adding that any further announcements would only be made once all required processes had been completed and formal decisions taken.

The statement concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s long-term strategy of pursuing major sporting events as a means of boosting sport development, tourism, economic growth and the country’s global image.

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