South Africa has been confirmed as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco withdrew from staging the tournament with just 60 days remaining before the scheduled kick-off, AfricaSoccer.com can reveal.
The announcement was made on Sunday night by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, who revealed that the Rainbow Nation will step in to host the continent’s flagship women’s tournament following Morocco’s sudden decision to pull out.
Speaking during the Super League Awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Mabe confirmed that the handover had been finalised, leaving South Africa with a tight window to prepare for a competition that also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“Tonight I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mabe said.
Morocco’s withdrawal comes as a surprise, particularly given that the North African nation hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations just weeks ago.
While no official explanation has been issued by the Moroccan authorities, the decision follows heightened domestic tensions after the dramatic AFCON final in Rabat, which ended in defeat for the hosts against Senegal.
The 2026 WAFCON was scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, featuring an expanded 16-team format and with this is change it is not known if there will be a switch in the dates for the tournament.
The aftermath of the AFCON final was marked by widespread controversy, disciplinary sanctions and public criticism, with pressure reportedly mounting internally for Morocco to step back from hosting further major CAF competitions in the immediate term.
South Africa’s late confirmation as hosts represents a significant logistical challenge, but the country is no stranger to staging elite women’s football on the continent.
Banyana Banyana lifted the WAFCON trophy on home soil in 2022, a triumph that cemented South Africa’s growing status as a powerhouse in the women’s game.
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations carries added importance, with the tournament expanded to 16 teams and four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The remaining two World Cup places will be decided via inter-confederation play-offs involving the losing quarter-finalists.
The finals are scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April 2026, a compressed timetable that follows the delayed 2024 edition, which was affected by global scheduling conflicts including the Paris Olympics.
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠!!
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe confirms that South Africa will be taking over from Morocco to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with only 60 days from kickoff.
📹 #SABCSport’s @flexmpumi #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/IFR4vqkZnR
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 1, 2026
Group Stage Draw
The final draw took place on January 15 in Rabat, with teams divided as follows:
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Group A (Rabat): Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
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Group B (Rabat): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
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Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria (holders), Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
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Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
Prior to Morocco’s withdrawal, the tournament draw had already been completed. Defending champions Nigeria were placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, while South Africa were drawn in Group B with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Morocco had been set to contest a North African derby against Algeria in Group A.
CAF had also confirmed increased investment in the women’s game ahead of the tournament, with president Patrice Motsepe pledging to improve prize money and player remuneration.
Nigeria received $1m for winning the last edition, a figure expected to rise as CAF continues to push for commercial growth in women’s football.
South Africa’s appointment as hosts now places the spotlight firmly on the country’s ability to deliver a seamless tournament at short notice. With infrastructure already in place and recent experience hosting major women’s events, CAF will be hoping the transition ensures stability rather than disruption.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to issue further details in the coming days regarding venues, operational timelines and any necessary adjustments following the change of host nation.
This edition will also serve as the primary qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams securing direct berths.
Debutants Malawi and Cape Verde will join the fray, reflecting the growing reach and competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.
With an expanded lineup and high stakes for World Cup qualification, the 2026 WAFCON promises to be a landmark tournament for African women’s football.
