CAF names South Africa new host for WAFCON 2026 after Morocco withdrawal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced South Africa as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following the withdrawal of Morocco just weeks before the tournament’s scheduled kickoff.

In a statement issued on Monday, CAF said the decision was taken after Morocco informed the football body of its inability to host the competition within the revised timeline. CAF added that South Africa was selected after an emergency assessment of readiness, infrastructure, and logistical capacity.

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South Africa, which successfully hosted the 2022 WAFCON and has extensive experience staging major international sporting events, assured CAF of its preparedness to deliver a smooth and competitive tournament despite the short notice.

“The Confederation of African Football appreciates the cooperation of the South African Football Association and the Government of South Africa for stepping in at a critical time to ensure the successful staging of WAFCON 2026,” the statement read.

CAF did not disclose the specific reasons behind Morocco’s withdrawal but expressed gratitude for the country’s earlier commitment to hosting the championship.

The tournament dates are expected to remain unchanged, with further details on match venues, fixtures, and logistics to be announced in the coming days.

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WAFCON 2026 will feature top women’s national teams across the continent, with the competition also serving as a key pathway for qualification to global tournaments.

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