South Africa Clarifies WAFCON 2026 Position, Says Morocco Remains Official Host

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has moved to clarify speculation around the hosting of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting that the country has not been awarded the tournament and that Morocco remains the officially designated host .

In a media statement issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, McKenzie said the clarification became necessary following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards.

“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary,” the Minister stated.

He stressed, however, that no decision has been taken to relocate the tournament.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process,” McKenzie said.

The Minister further explained that any potential hosting by South Africa would be subject to strict governance and approval procedures involving government, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders.

“Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes,” he said.

Addressing interpretations of the Deputy Minister’s comments, McKenzie emphasized that they should not be misconstrued as an official announcement.

“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect government’s longstanding engagement on supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities,” he said.

McKenzie added that South Africa would continue discussions with CAF in a measured manner, assuring that no announcement would be made outside due process.

“Any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken,” the Minister said.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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