South Africa has officially declared its readiness to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) if Morocco is unable to fulfill its duties as the tournament’s host.
With the opening match between Morocco and Kenya scheduled for March 17, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, significant uncertainty surrounds the event. Despite the tournament being only two weeks away, organizers have remained silent regarding vital logistics and information, leaving stakeholders and media representatives in a state of limbo.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, addressed the growing concerns by confirming that South Africa is prepared to serve as a contingency host to ensure the tournament proceeds.
“If Morocco is not going to host WAFCON, as the Deputy Minister said, we are standing ready,” McKenzie stated.
The 2026 edition of WAFCON is a critical fixture on the sporting calendar, as it serves as the primary qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Industry experts worry that continued silence or a last-minute disruption could jeopardize the momentum and global growth currently seen in women’s football across the continent.