South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has dismissed reports claiming that the country has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, stating clearly that Morocco remains the official host of the tournament.
In a statement issued on Monday, McKenzie said no formal decision has been taken to replace Morocco ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to kick off on March 17. He described the reports circulating in the media as inaccurate and misleading.
The minister was responding to comments attributed to Deputy Minister of Sport, Peace Mabel, who had suggested that South Africa had stepped in to host the tournament after Morocco allegedly withdrew just weeks before the start date. The comments quickly fuelled speculation and uncertainty around the competition.
McKenzie, however, clarified that Morocco has not pulled out and that the Confederation of African Football has
not activated any alternative hosting arrangements. He explained that South Africa has only indicated its readiness to support CAF should the need arise.According to him, such expressions of readiness are part of CAF’s routine contingency planning for major tournaments and do not amount to a confirmation of hosting rights. He added that several conditions must be met before South Africa can host the competition, including formal approval from CAF, clearance from the cabinet, and the availability of suitable venues and infrastructure.
With the clarification, Morocco remains on course to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive time, with the tournament expected to run from March 17 to April 3.
The North African nation finished as runners-up in the last two editions of the competition, losing to South Africa in the 2022 final and to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2024, as anticipation builds for another exciting chapter in African women’s football.
