South Africa has announced its interest in organizing and host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, following reports that Morocco has withdrawn from hosting the tournament.
Bess Mabi, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, stated that the country is fully prepared to step in and has the necessary infrastructure to stage the competition.
Speaking to South African broadcaster SABC Sport, Mabi said that preparations would begin immediately, stressing South Africa’s capability to deliver a successful tournament.
The development comes despite the Confederation of African Football previously confirming Morocco as the official host of the 2026 edition.
The group stage draw was conducted in January 2026, with teams allocated into groups set to play matches across several Moroccan cities.
Those arrangements remain formally in place.
So far, CAF has not issued any official statement confirming a change of host nation, and no announcement has been made regarding the relocation of the tournament.
Likewise, the Moroccan Football Federation has not released any formal communication indicating that Morocco has relinquished its hosting rights.
Amid the uncertainty, national teams continue their preparations based on the existing draw.
Egypt’s women’s national team is set to compete in Group C alongside Nigeria, Zambia, and Malawi.
2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group Draw
Group A: Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B: South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C: Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
With no official confirmation yet from CAF, questions remain over the tournament’s final host as the scheduled kickoff date approaches.
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