The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture of South Africa has denied reports of the country hosting the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, which is slated to be staged in Morocco.

The Ministry has clarified that there has been no official decision or communication for the country to be the new host nation of the 16-team tournament to be staged next month.

The communique follows reports sparked by comments from the country’s Deputy Sports Minister, Peace Mabe, on Sunday, February 1.

!!

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe confirms that South Africa will be taking over from Morocco to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with only 60 days from kickoff.

#SABCSport’s @flexmpumi #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/IFR4vqkZnR

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 1, 2026

In a press statement issued later on Sunday, the Minister, Gayton McKenzie, said comments made by the deputy minister should not be taken as confirmation that South Africa will take up the hosting rights from Morocco.

The statement added that Morocco continues to be the designated host of the continental tournament.

However, he added that the country will be in a position to take up the role should CAF desire a different alternative.

Read full statement here:

The 2026 WAFCON tournament is scheduled to be held from March 17 to April 3.