Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the hosting rights for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following growing reports that Morocco may be considering a withdrawal as host nation, just months before the tournament.
Although no official confirmation has been issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or the Moroccan Football Federation, the reports have sparked widespread discussion within African football circles, with concerns mounting over the implications of a late change in host.
Reacting to the speculation, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Ms. Peace Mabe, acknowledged that South Africa could be in a position to step in should CAF require an alternative host, stressing the country’s readiness and experience in staging major continental tournaments.
“The priority is ensuring the stability and success of African football competitions,” Mabe was quoted as saying, amid suggestions that contingency plans may already be under consideration.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 WAFCON following its successful organization of recent CAF competitions. However, a potential withdrawal at this stage would place CAF under significant pressure, echoing past instances where late host changes disrupted tournament preparations.
CAF has yet to issue an official statement addressing the reports, while stakeholders await clarity on the situation as the countdown to the tournament continues.
For now, the 2026 WAFCON hosting status remains officially unchanged, pending formal communication from CAF.
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.
