South Africa has stepped in as the new host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following the impromptu withdrawal of Morocco to stage the tournament just 44 days before it is scheduled to commence.

Peace Mabe, the deputy minister for sports, arts and culture confirmed the development during the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards on Sunday

“Tonight I would like to announce that South Africa will be hosting the 2026 WAFCON, which we all know is a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil,” Ms Mabe said.

Speaking to South African broadcaster SABC Sports in a separate interview, Ms Mabe assured the rainbow country has necessary infrastructure to successfully host the tournament.

She noted that preparation would commence on Monday.

“We took an opportunity because we feel that we have the necessary infrastructure to support hosting the WAFCON. When Morocco said that they will not be able to host the WAFCON, South Africa said yes, we are able to host it,” the minister stated.

She added, “It cannot be debatable because we just hosted the G-20 where heads of states from different countries were here. In terms of hospitality, we are ready.

“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums, we have them. We have hosted the World Cup. From tomorrow (Monday), we will begin preparation.”

Morocco’s withdrawal came in the aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final fallout with Senegal.

Meanwhile, neither the Confederation of African Football nor Morocco has officially commented on the development.