2026 WAFCON: CAF breaks silence, insist Morocco’s host

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

After weeks of uncertainties, the Confederation of African Football (CAF ) has confirmed that the Kingdom of Morocco remains the host nation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Speaking at a press conference after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Ethiopia on Friday, CAF president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe finally addressed the rumours directly, insisting that the tournament will take place in Morocco as  scheduled from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

He said WAFCON is still holding in Morocco next month, arguing that CAF “still have an engagement” with Morocco to host the 2026 WAFCON which is scheduled to kick off on  March 17.

“Some other countries said ‘Please can we host it?’ but they want to change the date,” Motsepe said.

“We can’t change the date because it is a qualifier for the [2027] Women’s World Cup.”

“The WAFCON continues, and it will be successful. It has to take place within that window.”

CAF president’s reassuring words has now put paid to the rumours of Morocco’s withdrawal from hosting the 16th edition of Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

Confusion over the host nation erupted early this month after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms. Peace Mabe, said her country would step in for Morocco, citing stadium readiness and prior experience in hosting major events as justification.

But her boss and South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie clarified the situation, insisting that “no formal decision” had been made to replace Morocco and reaffirming that the North African country remained the official host.

McKenzie explained that South Africa’s offer to assist was a contingency plan, not a change in hosting rights. Any formal relocation would require CAF approval and government clearance.

Meanwhile, the competition in Morocco will also serve as the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup billed for Brazil.

The 2026 WAFCON will be the third consecutive edition hosted by Morocco, following the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.