Uncertainty clouds Harambee Starlets’ WAFCON 2026 participation as CAF set to issue statement

Uncertainty continues to cloud the participation of the Harambee Starlets at the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Head of TV and Communication, Luxolo September, has revealed that the continental body will issue a formal communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the 2026 WAFCON edition.

Taking to his X account on Wednesday, 4 March, Luxolo said several high-level discussions have taken place over the past weeks concerning the tournament, which is scheduled to be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions for weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” he posted.

The development comes against the backdrop of CAF President Patrice Motsepe reaffirming that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will proceed in Morocco as earlier scheduled.

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Speaking during a CAF Executive Committee meeting on Friday, 13 February, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Motsepe moved to clear the air following remarks suggesting that South Africa could step in as hosts after Morocco reportedly relinquished the rights.

“Morocco came to assist because there were many countries that wanted to host, but because we did not have time, our standards were very high. So many countries are interested, but as we speak now, we still have an engagement with Morocco,” Motsepe said.

He added that the tournament dates remain unchanged due to scheduling considerations tied to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“Some of the interested countries say they want to change the date, but we cannot change the date because it is one of those qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup. So the WAFCON continues, we are going to make sure that it is successful, and it has to take place within that window,” he added.

Motsepe’s reassurance came shortly after South Africa maintained that no formal decision had been made to relocate the tournament.

In a media statement issued on Sunday, 1st February, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie clarified that earlier comments by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe had been misinterpreted as confirmation that South Africa was ready to take over hosting duties.

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Meanwhile, the Harambee Starlets are currently in Ivory Coast preparing for the tournament under head coach Beldine Odemba.

The Starlets are returning to the continental stage for the first time since 2016, as they prepare for what would be their second appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.