South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has sought to clarify its role in discussions around the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following speculation that the country had been confirmed as hosts.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said South Africa has not been awarded hosting rights for the tournament, stressing that its involvement has been limited to expressions of readiness and support should the Confederation of African Football (CAF) require assistance.
The clarification followed comments made by Deputy Minister Peace Mabe at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards on Sunday, which were interpreted by some as confirmation that South Africa would stage the continental women’s football tournament.
Nigeria faced Morocco in the final of WAFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Imago
Speaking to SABC Sport, Mabe said South Africa had indicated its willingness to step in if needed, pointing to the country’s infrastructure and experience in hosting major international events.
“We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and the support, of course, of hosting the WAFCON,” Mabe said.
“When Morocco said we’re not able to host, South Africa said, yes, we are available.”
Super Falcons celebrating their record extending tenth title in Morocco in 2025. Photo Credit: CAf
Mabe added that South Africa’s recent hosting of the G20 summit in Johannesburg showed the country was capable of meeting the demands of a major continental event at short notice.
“It tells you that in terms of hospitality, we are ready. We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums. We’ve hosted the soccer World Cup before, we are ready, we can host it,” she said.
She also played down concerns over timing, with the tournament scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April.
“Given the fact that it is in 60 days as well, we are not very much worried. We just have to put systems in place. From tomorrow, we will begin.”
Despite those remarks, the ministry stressed that Morocco remains the officially designated host for the 2026 WAFCON unless CAF communicates otherwise through formal channels.
“No such confirmation has been received,” the statement said.
FULL STATEMENT from the minister Gayton McKenzie.
The ministry added that any hosting role would only follow a structured process initiated by CAF and concluded with approval from South Africa’s Cabinet, and that no formal request has been made.
Gayton McKenzie South Africa’s Minister of Sports and Culture. Photo Credit: SABC
It noted that staging WAFCON would require extensive logistical and financial planning, including the identification of host cities and stadiums, transport and accommodation arrangements, security planning, and government guarantees in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA).
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While South Africa has previously hosted major tournaments such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the ministry cautioned against assumptions that hosting rights can be reassigned informally.
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The statement concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to the development of women’s football on the continent and its willingness to support CAF, while stressing that any confirmed decision regarding the 2026 WAFCON would be communicated formally and transparently.
