Uncertainty remains over whether Morocco will host the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled from 17 March to 3 April.
With less than two weeks before the planned kickoff, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) says it will clarify the situation within days.
CAF communications director Luxolo September said discussions were ongoing and a decision was expected soon.
“Several discussions have been ongoing for weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” he wrote on X, adding that CAF would communicate within 48 hours on the situation regarding the TotalEnergies WAFCON26.
Morocco was due to host the tournament for the third time in a row. On 13 February, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the 16th edition would go ahead in the country as planned.
“Our commitment with Morocco remains intact,” he said.
However, uncertainty has grown in recent weeks following the men’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 held earlier this year. Morocco lost the final 1–0 to Senegal and later appealed the result to CAF, but the appeal was unsuccessful.
Reports also suggest CAF imposed sanctions after the final, which have strained relations with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Logistical pressures have also been raised. Several major stadiums in Morocco are undergoing upgrades ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host.
Officials have also pointed to congestion in the domestic football calendar. Morocco’s league season was paused during AFCON and must conclude by mid-May to meet FIFA requirements.
Meanwhile, South Africa has repeated its offer to step in as host if needed.
Speaking on Wednesday, South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie criticised the lack of clarity with only 13 days remaining before the tournament.
“If Morocco is ready to organise the WAFCON after the success of the AFCON, let them do so. But if they are not ready, we want to tell them that we have infrastructure in place… We will not be dictated to by countries less equipped,” he said.
CAF expanded the competition to 16 teams last November. The defending champions, Nigeria women’s national football team, beat Morocco women’s national football team 3–2 in last year’s final.
CAF is expected to release a definitive statement within the next 48 hours.
