South Africa blasts Morocco and CAF over 2026 WAFCON uncertainty

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has launched a stinging attack on both Morocco and the Confederation of African Football over the handling of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), accusing them of undermining the credibility of the women’s game on the continent.

With just 13 days before the tournament is due to kick off, there has been no formal update from the host nation or from CAF, despite growing reports that the competition could be postponed.

The silence has fuelled frustration among participating countries and heightened concerns about the treatment of women’s football at the highest administrative level.

McKenzie did not hold back in his criticism of Morocco’s management of the situation, questioning the North African nation’s communication and readiness to stage the tournament for a third successive time.

His remarks also place CAF under scrutiny, particularly after its president, Patrice Motsepe, recently assured the public that the tournament would proceed as scheduled.

“The situation regarding the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is very concerning,” McKenzie said.

“If Morocco is ready to host the WAFCON because they had a brilliant AFCON, they should do so. If they are not ready, we want to tell them, we (South Africa) have stadiums, we are not a country with less infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have.

“We don’t wait for no one. We will not allow women’s football to be treated in such fashion…If Morocco is not going to host it, South Africa is standing ready [to host].”

His comments frame the issue as one of respect and institutional commitment to women’s sport, suggesting that uncertainty at this stage sends the wrong message about the priority given to the women’s game.

CAF, through Head of Communication Luxolo September, has indicated that a statement will be issued within 48 hours.

However, as the original March 17 to April 3 schedule in Morocco approaches, pressure is mounting on both the hosts and the continental body to provide clarity and protect the integrity of the competition.