In the space of just a few days, the future of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) has oscillated between conflicting narratives, leaving stakeholders across the continent in a state of confusion. A public contradiction between South African government officials – followed by mixed reporting about Morocco’s alleged withdrawal as hosts – highlights a worrying communication vacuum at the heart of African football administration.
Rather than letting rumours and speculation fill the void, both Morocco and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) now owe African football clarity and leadership.
The spark for this uncertainty came when South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, announced that her country would take over hosting duties from Morocco with less than two months to go before kickoff. This statement, made at a public awards ceremony, quickly ignited media speculation that Morocco had indeed withdrawn from staging the tournament.
However, within hours, South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie officially contradicted his deputy, stating that no formal decision had been taken to move the tournament and that Morocco remains the officially designated host – with South Africa merely offering support should CAF require an alternative.
To date, CAF itself has not issued a clear, authoritative statement on whether Morocco will host, if those plans are under review, or what contingencies are in place. Meanwhile, Moroccan football officials have echoed the lack of any formal decision to relocate the tournament.
This series of mixed signals is far more than a journalistic inconvenience – it reveals a systemic failure in communication that has real consequences for the continent’s flagship women’s football event.
The costs of uncertainty
First, operational planning is jeopardised. National teams, sponsors, broadcasters, travel agencies, and football federations plan logistics based on firm facts. With WAFCON scheduled to start on 17 March 2026 and run through 3 April, crucial deadlines are now just weeks away. Without clear information from CAF or Morocco, federations and commercial partners cannot finalise travel, accommodation, broadcast schedules, or promotional campaigns. This is a tournament that also doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, further heightening the stakes.
Second, rumours thrive in the absence of facts. The internet is awash with speculation – from claims that Morocco pulled out due to backlash over the controversial 2025 AFCON final, to suggestions South Africa has already taken over hosting duties. This noise not only distracts from the achievements and progress of women’s football in Africa but also fuels misinformation. In an environment where social media chatter can quickly trend as “news”, silence from key stakeholders only amplifies confusion.
Third, public trust and credibility are at risk. African football has long struggled with perceptions of mismanagement and opacity. When high-ranking officials publicly contradict each other, and CAF remains silent, confidence among fans, partners, and even participating nations is eroded. For women’s football – which already fights for equitable investment, visibility, and sponsorship – this undermines the progress the game has made.
What Morocco and CAF must do
1. Issue a joint, official statement now. Morocco’s football federation and CAF should release a coordinated announcement outlining the current status of WAFCON 2026: whether Morocco remains host; whether any conditions or concerns have been raised; and what timelines exist for any final decision. Clear facts put the record straight far more effectively than a single official denial or conflicting government comment.
2. Clarify contingency plans. It is acceptable and responsible for CAF to have backup options, but these should not be misinterpreted as decisions. CAF should publicly outline its contingency planning process, timelines, and criteria for any potential relocation, if such action is being considered.
3. Provide regular updates. Regular and scheduled updates – even if short – would reassure federations, sponsors, and fans that progress is being made and that African football’s flagship women’s tournament is being managed professionally.
WAFCON 2026 should be a celebration of African women’s football – a platform for talent, competitiveness, and continental pride. Instead, it is at risk of being overshadowed by administrative confusion and public contradiction. Morally and practically, both Morocco and CAF must step forward with authoritative clarity to protect the tournament’s integrity, reassure stakeholders, and honour the sport’s growth across the continent. Silence no longer serves African football – it harms it.
