The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is actively exploring alternative hosts for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Morocco indicated potential challenges in staging the tournament.

Originally set for March 17 to April 3, CAF officially postponed the event to July 25–August 16, following consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.

While the revised schedule has been announced, doubts about Morocco’s readiness have sparked discussions about contingency plans.

Reports indicate that Moroccan authorities had previously informed CAF about conflicts with domestic men’s league matches and other international commitments, making a March hosting unfeasible.

“CAF discreetly surveyed other countries as a Plan B. South Africa has been approached, and Algeria declined the possibility,” according to Sports News Africa.

The postponement also highlights ongoing tensions between CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan football chief Fouzi Lekjaa, as negotiations over the tournament schedule reportedly stalled prior to the announcement.

Patrice Motsepe emphasized the importance of adhering to the calendar due to Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

However, Morocco maintained that it could not host WAFCON in March. In response, South Africa has openly declared readiness to step in, citing adequate stadiums and infrastructure to accommodate the event.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, stated, “We will not allow women’s football to be treated as secondary. If Morocco cannot host, South Africa is fully prepared.”

CAF reassured stakeholders that preparations for the 2026 WAFCON are continuing, expressing confidence that the tournament will proceed successfully.

The competition will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification, while another team will have a chance through an intercontinental playoff.