CAF News

Motsepe Breaks Silence on 2026 WAFCON Host, Schedule

Published

2 weeks ago

February 14, 2026

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has confirmed that Morocco will remain the official host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), putting an end to speculation about a possible change of venue.

Motsepe made the clarification on Thursday, February 13, 2026, stressing that CAF is fully committed to its agreement with Morocco and that preparations for the tournament are progressing as planned.

His comments followed widespread rumours suggesting that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting duties, with South Africa reportedly being considered as a replacement.

According to CAF, the 2026 WAFCON will be staged from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in line with the original competition window. Motsepe emphasized that the dates cannot be altered, as the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“The WAFCON remains in Morocco. Nothing has changed,” Motsepe said.

“There has been interest from many countries, but some wanted a change in dates, which is not possible because this competition is part of the Women’s World Cup qualifiers.”

“The tournament must take place within that window, and it will take place.” Mosetpe insists.

The 2026 edition of the Women’s AFCON will be historic, marking the first time the competition features an expanded 16-team format, a move aligned with CAF’s broader strategy to grow and professionalise women’s football across Africa.

Matches are expected to be played across major Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca and Fès, with defending champions Nigeria set to compete alongside continental heavyweights such as South Africa, Zambia and Ghana.

CAF also clarified that the earlier uncertainty stemmed from remarks made by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport in early February.

Those comments were later played down by South Africa’s Sports Minister, who stated that the country had only expressed readiness to assist if required, not to take over hosting rights.

With CAF’s latest confirmation, focus now shifts firmly to preparations on and off the pitch as Africa’s top women’s national teams gear up for a landmark WAFCON tournament in Morocco.

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