South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has accused Morocco of trying to pressure African football authorities over the hosting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
For about six weeks, there has been uncertainty about where the 2026 tournament will be held.
Morocco had earlier been confirmed as the host nation.
The North African country was expected to organise the competition for the third time in a row. However, recent reports suggest that Morocco may be reconsidering its decision.
The uncertainty comes after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January, which attracted criticism from some people in the African football community who claimed the hosts were given favourable treatment.
Despite the controversy, the president of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, said last month that the 2026 WAFCON would still take place in Morocco. However, speculation that Morocco could withdraw has continued.
South Africa offers to host
Amid the uncertainty, McKenzie has said that South Africa is ready to host the tournament if Morocco decides not to.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said South Africa has the stadiums and experience needed to organise a major football event on short notice.
South Africa previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 and several other continental tournaments.
While acknowledging that Morocco successfully organised the recent AFCON tournament, McKenzie said the country should clearly state whether it wants to host WAFCON or not.
“If Morocco is ready to host the WAFCON because they had a brilliant AFCON, they should do so,” he said.
“But if they are not ready, we want to tell them we are not a country with no stadiums or infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by countries that have less than what we have.”
He also said South Africa would not allow women’s football in Africa to suffer because of uncertainty over the host country.
“We will not allow women’s football to be treated this way. We don’t wait for anyone,” he added.
CAF set to respond
McKenzie’s comments are among the strongest criticisms directed at Morocco’s role in African football in recent years.
So far, CAF President Motsepe has not publicly responded to the allegations or the reports about Morocco possibly withdrawing as host.
Observers say that if Morocco eventually steps down from hosting the tournament, it could affect the country’s ambition to become a major centre for international football events.
Morocco has invested heavily in stadiums and sports infrastructure as it aims to host more global competitions in the future.
The effect on Nigeria
The uncertainty could also affect teams preparing for the tournament, including Nigeria women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons.
Nigeria is the most successful team in the history of the competition, having won the title a record 10 times.
The Super Falcons won the last edition after defeating Morocco women’s national football team in the final.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, Nigeria will aim to win an 11th title and maintain its dominance in African women’s football.
However, uncertainty over the host country could affect planning and logistics for teams preparing for the competition.
