Has Morocco abandoned the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations?

The beIN Sports channel relayed the statements of the South African Deputy Minister of Sports confirming that her country is ready to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final stages. This announcement comes as the event was initially awarded to Morocco. The South African official specified that her country now has the necessary sports infrastructure and logistical experience to host this continental event, based on its history of organizing major sporting events.

This new situation arises as the final draw for the tournament was held on Thursday, January 15th at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, Morocco. The results of this draw placed the Moroccan national team in Group A, alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya. Group B is composed of South Africa, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Group C brings together Nigeria, Malawi, Egypt and Zambia, while Group D includes Cameroon, Ghana, Cape Verde and Mali.

Despite the announcement by the South African authorities, we are awaiting an official confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). If this change of host country is validated, it will modify the organizational framework, as the preparations had so far been carried out under the aegis of Morocco, the country where the group allocation process for this 2026 edition was held.