Rumours began circulating that, just weeks out from the women's ACFON, the current host, Morocco, could no longer host the event. That is scheduled to kick off on 17 March and is planned to feature an expanded field of 16 teams fo the first time.
Though since then, South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie says “no formal decision has been taken to relocate. This was after his deputy announced that South Africa would step in and stage the final.
The McKenzie issued a clarification regarding his deputy's statement. Especially after Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, declared, "When Morocco said 'We are not able to host', South Africa, we said 'Yes, we are available'. We are going to take it," Mabe later told SABC Sport after her announcement at an awards ceremony on Sunday.
This, however, is not entirely true. That same evening, McKenzie said that Morocco “remains the officially designated host”
"[The remarks made by Peace Mabe] do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities," he added.
"The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.
"South Africa has expressed its willingness to support Caf if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 Wafcon become necessary.
"These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by Caf as it considers various contingencies in line with [its] responsible stewardship of the continental game."
CAF is currently exploring contingencies, and South Africa has expressed its willingness to assist if a relocation becomes necessary. CAF has made no official statement at this time.
If Morocco goes ahead as the host, it would be the third consecutive time the country hosts the competition, after years of investment in football infrastructure as it builds toward co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The fact that they have hosted it three times in a row is because, while North African countries have been willing supporters of the women's games, this has placed CAF in a potential dilemma, as in recent years the growing popularity of the sport has led more national teams to express interest in staging WAFU. It does attract far fewer supporters than the men's equivalent.
South Africa has reportedly been selected to host the 2028 Afcon, and McKenzie says the country will continue to pursue a long-term strategy to host major events.
"The remarks made by the deputy minister (Mabe) reflect the government's longstanding engagement in supporting African football and South Africa's confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events," he said.
The final draw was conducted in Rabat on 15 January 2026.
- Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
- Group B: South Africa, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso
- Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
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