South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, yesterday, said his country is prepared to step in and host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations should Morocco withdraw from staging the tournament.

The offer by South Africa came, just as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the postponement of the 2026 Women’s AfricA Cup of Nations (WAFCON), announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.

CAF confirmed that the 2026 edition will now take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing, McKenzie expressed concern over mounting uncertainty surrounding Morocco’s readiness to host the continental showpiece.

“We are ready to host,” McKenzie said. “We will not allow countries that do not have the same infrastructure as ours to hold us hostage because people cannot make up their minds.”

While Morocco remains the official host, persistent reports have suggested the possibility of a late withdrawal. McKenzie cited South Africa’s established infrastructure and experience in organising major sporting events as key advantages.

“We have the stadiums, the people, infrastructure and transport systems that are better than any country in Africa,” he said.

He also raised concerns about what he described as a lack of visible preparations and promotional activity around the tournament in Morocco.

“There is no marketing around the tournament; there is nothing,” he said. “I think we are dealing with a situation where it cannot be anyone but South Africa.”

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is expected to feature the continent’s top national teams, including defending champions Nigeria.

While announcing the postponement yesterday, CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.

In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”

Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.

Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.