CAF explains sticking with Morocco as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations host
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 14.02.26. | 22:00
Speculation over the tournament’s venue intensified earlier this month after South Africa’s Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabe claimed that Morocco had withdrawn and that her country was ready to take over hosting duties
Harambee Starlets can continue preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that there has been no change of host nation.
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Speculation over the tournament’s venue intensified earlier this month after South Africa’s Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabe claimed that Morocco had withdrawn and that her country was ready to take over hosting duties.
However, her remarks were later contradicted by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, creating confusion over the status of the competition.
Persistent reports had suggested that Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 and 2024 editions, was reluctant to stage the tournament again, particularly following scheduling pressures linked to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
But CAF President Patrice Motsepe has now reaffirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will proceed as planned in Morocco.
Speaking during a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Motsepe dismissed speculation about a venue switch and stressed that the tournament must be played within its scheduled window because it serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The WAFCON continues. There are discussions taking place, and there are a lot of competitions. Remember, Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host it, but we didn’t have time. Our standards are very high,” Motsepe said.
He added that while several nations have expressed interest in hosting the tournament, altering the dates is not an option.
“As we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco because some of the other countries say, ‘please can we host it?’ but they want to change the date.
We can’t change the date because it’s one of those qualifiers for the World Cup,” he explained.
Recent reports had linked South Africa as a possible backup host, but CAF’s latest position signals confidence in Morocco’s continued role as host.
The 2026 edition will be historic, featuring 16 teams, including Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, who are set to make a landmark appearance on the expanded continental stage.
With four qualification slots to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake, the tournament promises to be fiercely competitive as Africa’s top women’s football nations battle for continental glory and a place on the global stage.