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By Newz.Africa Sports Desk | Morocco | 04 February 2026 | Morocco withdrawal from WAFCON
Reports say Morocco has withdrawn from hosting the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026. South Africa’s deputy sports minister said her country would step in. Still, the South African government later said no formal decision has been taken. The discrepancy leaves teams, fans and organisers in a narrow window for contingency planning.
Morocco withdrawal from WAFCON: what media and officials have said
Several African news outlets reported that Morocco had pulled out of hosting WAFCON 2026, citing officials and local coverage. Deputy Minister Peace Mabe announced at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards in Johannesburg that South Africa would host the tournament. She stated that the country had the infrastructure and was ready to step in.
Hours later, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie issued a media statement. He clarified that South Africa had expressed willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required. However, no formal decision had been taken. Morocco remained the officially designated host. The statement is posted on the South African government media portal.
Morocco withdrawal from WAFCON: CAF and Moroccan responses still pending
The Confederation of African Football has not issued an official statement. There is no confirmation of a change of host as of 03 February 2026. Several outlets noted the absence of any CAF announcement. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has not issued a public, dated declaration on relinquishing hosting duties. Multiple reports connect the withdrawal to the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. However, these links remain speculative.
Why the Morocco withdrawal from WAFCON matter for teams and fans
WAFCON serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Changing hosts with weeks to go will affect stadium readiness, security plans, travel, team logistics and World Cup qualifying schedules. Organisers would need quick clearance from CAF and national governments. South Africa’s ministry underlined that any relocation would need CAF action and formal cabinet sign-off.
Practical next steps after the Morocco withdrawal from WAFCON reports
CAF is to issue a formal process if Morocco formally withdraws. That process include a temporary timetable change, venue confirmations and guarantees from a replacement host. National associations should prepare contingency plans and preserve player eligibility windows. Journalists and stakeholders should seek a written CAF communique. They should also await an official release from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. This should be done before treating the reports as final.
Original Reporting:
- Verified multiple media reports that Morocco has been widely reported to have withdrawn from hosting WAFCON 2026.
- Confirmed that South Africa’s Deputy Minister Peace Mabe publicly stated South Africa would host if Morocco not. Additionally, the South African Minister issued a clarifying media statement.
Primary artefact:
- A media statement from the South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been released. It is titled “Statement on South Africa’s Position About the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)”. This statement was published on 1 February 2026.
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