McKenzie Clarifies South Africa’s WAFCON Hosting Status

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that South Africa has not been granted the rights to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), dismissing claims made by his deputy, Peace Mabe, that the country had stepped in to host the tournament.

Mabe, speaking at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards on Sunday, said South Africa would host WAFCON, which is scheduled to take place in two months’ time. She cited the country’s strong infrastructure and its successful hosting of major international events, including the G20, as reasons South Africa was ready to stage the tournament.

However, McKenzie clarified that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not made any decision to relocate the tournament from Morocco to South Africa.

As it stands, Morocco remains the officially designated host of WAFCON, which would be the third consecutive time the country stages the women’s tournament. Morocco also recently hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded last month.

“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),” the statement read.

“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF), 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 the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process. Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes, in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders.”

The statement added that any hosting would require:

• Formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are required;
• Approval through the relevant Cabinet processes;
• Confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation, and transport capacity; and
• The conclusion of the necessary government guarantees and operational agreements.

“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister 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. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities.

“The Department, together with SAFA and stakeholders, will continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner. Any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions are taken.

“The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture remains committed to a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth, and South Africa’s global image.”

South Africa, which remains the only country to host the men’s FIFA World Cup on African soil in 2010, has hosted the WAFCON three times – in 2000, 2004, and 2010.