South Africa Clarifies Position on Possible Hosting of 2026 Women’s AFCON

By ANGU Lesley

South Africa has moved to clarify its position regarding the hosting of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the recent Hollywoodbets Super League Awards.

In a media statement released on Sunday, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie stressed that South Africa has not been confirmed as an alternative host for the tournament and that Morocco remains the officially designated host nation for the 2026 edition.

The Minister explained that South Africa’s involvement so far has been limited to expressing its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should the need arise. These discussions, he noted, form part of CAF’s internal contingency planning and do not signal any immediate change to the hosting arrangements.

At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and CAF has not triggered any alternative hosting process,” the statement read.

McKenzie further emphasized that any potential move to host the competition would require the completion of several formal processes. These include official confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are necessary, approval through relevant Cabinet channels, confirmation of host cities and infrastructure readiness, as well as the signing of government guarantees and operational agreements.

According to the Minister, the comments made by the Deputy Minister should be understood within the context of South Africa’s long-standing commitment to supporting African football and its proven track record in hosting major international sporting events. He clarified that the remarks did not amount to a confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, working alongside the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders, will continue to engage CAF in what it described as a “structured and responsible manner.”

Any further announcements, the Ministry said, will only be made once all formal processes have been concluded and definitive decisions reached.

The statement also reaffirmed government’s broader strategy of pursuing major sporting events as a means to promote sport development, tourism, economic growth, and South Africa’s global image.