Morocco has withdrawn as host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations only two months before the opening match, with South Africa now confirmed to stage the tournament from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Morocco’s late withdrawal comes amid lingering fallout from the chaotic conclusion to the 2025 men’s Africa Cup of Nations, which has intensified scrutiny around tournament organisation and stakeholder relations in the country. The decision ends Morocco’s run as back-to-back hosts of the continental women’s showpiece, having successfully staged WAFCON in 2022 and 2024 and originally been on course to become the first nation to host three successive editions in 2026.
The Confederation of African Football moved swiftly to secure an alternative venue, turning to South Africa to preserve the tournament calendar and protect competitive integrity ahead of the next Women’s World Cup cycle. South Africa will now host WAFCON 2026 between March 17 and April 3, inheriting the responsibility for logistics, stadium readiness and security planning at short notice.
Beyond deciding the new African champions, the 2026 WAFCON will double as a qualifying pathway for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, adding significant competitive weight to the event. With limited time to adjust, participating teams must now recalibrate their preparations to South African conditions, while CAF works to ensure a smooth transition that maintains confidence in its flagship women’s competition.
