WAFCON 2026 remains in Morocco, CAF President Motsepe reaffirms
By Joel Masibo, February 14, 2026The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) will take place in Morocco as earlier scheduled from Tuesday, March 17, to Friday, April 3, 2026.
Speaking during a CAF Executive Committee Meeting on Friday, February 13, 2026, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, cleared the air following recent remarks suggesting that South Africa could host the showpiece after Morocco relinquished the hosting rights.
”Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host, but because we did not have time, our standards were very high. So many countries are interested, but as we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco,” he said.
Motsepe also added that nothing has changed, stating that the original dates regarding the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies remain unchanged due to the U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers schedule.
”Some of the interested countries say they want to change the date, but we cannot change the date because it is one of those qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup. So the WAFCON continues, we are going to make sure that it is successful, and it has to take place within that window.” Motsepe said.
Motsepe’s reaffirmation comes shortly after South Africa has also maintained that no formal decision has been made to relocate the tournament from Morocco.
In a media statement issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie explained that comments made by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe earlier were misinterpreted as a confirmation of South Africa’s readiness to take over hosting duties.
According to the Minister, South Africa has only expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should the need arise for alternative hosting arrangements. These discussions, he noted, are part of CAF’s broader contingency planning and responsible management of continental competitions.
“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host,” the statement read, adding that CAF has not activated any alternative hosting process.
The Ministry emphasised that any possibility of South Africa hosting the 2026 WAFCON would depend on several key conditions. These include an official request from CAF, approval through Cabinet processes, confirmation of suitable host cities and stadiums, as well as assurances on accommodation, transport capacity, and the signing of required government guarantees and operational agreements.
McKenzie stressed that the Deputy Minister’s remarks should be viewed within the context of South Africa’s long-standing commitment to supporting African football and its track record in successfully staging major international sporting events. However, he was clear that the comments did not amount to a declaration or assumption of hosting rights.