McKenzie denies South Africa will host 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, confirming Morocco remains the official venue for the tournament

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has dismissed reports suggesting the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

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In a statement released on Monday, Gayton McKenzie said that “no formal decision” has been taken to replace Morocco, reaffirming that the North African nation remains the official host of the tournament, scheduled to kick off on March 17.

The minister was responding to remarks attributed to Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabel, who had claimed Morocco had withdrawn from hosting and that South Africa was ready to take over the event with just five weeks remaining.

Gayton McKenzie clarified that South Africa has only expressed willingness to assist the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if alternative hosting arrangements become necessary.

“Such measures are part of CAF’s routine contingency planning ahead of major tournaments,” the statement said.

The minister explained that for South Africa to host the competition, several requirements would need to be met, including formal CAF approval, cabinet clearance, and the readiness of venues and supporting infrastructure.

Reports indicate that Morocco is poised to host the WAFCON for the third consecutive time, with the tournament set to run from March 17 to April 3.

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The country finished as runners-up in the last two editions, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and Nigeria in 2024.