The development was confirmed on Sunday evening by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, during a national television broadcast. According to Mabe, South Africa offered to take over hosting duties after Morocco indicated it was no longer in a position to stage the tournament.
“We seized an opportunity that presented itself because we have the necessary infrastructure and support,” Mabe said. “When Morocco said they wouldn’t be able to organise it, we said South Africa is available and ready to host.”
The tournament was originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, but officials have indicated that the dates may now be pushed back by up to two weeks to allow South Africa adequate preparation time. As of Sunday night, however, no revised dates had been officially announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The sudden switch has raised eyebrows, particularly as Morocco had reportedly completed advanced planning for the competition, with host venues already designated in Rabat, Casablanca and Fez. Neither Moroccan authorities nor CAF have issued a formal statement explaining the reasons behind Morocco’s withdrawal, leaving room for speculation and concern within the football community.
Some observers have suggested that political considerations or lingering tensions from the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal may have played a role, though such claims remain unverified and unsubstantiated. The lack of official clarity has only deepened uncertainty around the decision.
Historically, CAF has taken a hard line against last-minute withdrawals by host nations. In 2015, Morocco was suspended and fined after pulling out of hosting the men’s Africa Cup of Nations over Ebola concerns, sanctions that were later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In this instance, however, analysts believe CAF may adopt a more measured response, citing the close working relationship between CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan football powerbroker Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also a CAF vice-president.
Despite relinquishing hosting rights, Morocco’s women’s national team is still expected to participate in the tournament. The Atlas Lionesses are provisionally listed in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, pending final confirmation from CAF.
For South Africa, the announcement brings both opportunity and pressure. While the country boasts proven infrastructure and experience in hosting major sporting events, organising Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament at such short notice presents significant logistical and operational challenges.
CAF, meanwhile, faces growing calls to provide swift clarity and reassurance to participating teams, sponsors and fans, as preparations enter a critical phase. For Morocco, the late withdrawal raises questions about reliability and planning, potentially casting a shadow over its reputation as a dependable host for major African football events.
As the countdown continues, the continent will be watching closely to see how CAF navigates the fallout and whether South Africa can successfully deliver a seamless WAFCON under extraordinary circumstances.