Morocco accepted 2026 WAFCON hosting because no Country bid – Federation President

Morocco agreed to host the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after no other African nation expressed interest in staging the tournament, according to the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Lekjaa said Morocco stepped forward because it was fully prepared to organize the competition and faced no competition from other potential hosts.

“We will organize the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations because no other country wanted it. We accepted to host it because everything is ready, and we will not lose anything by doing so,” he said.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has scheduled the tournament to take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, with Morocco set to welcome the continent’s leading women’s national teams in what will be an expanded edition of the competition.

Lekjaa’s remarks underline Morocco’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable hosts for major football events. Over the past decade, the North African country has invested heavily in stadiums, training centres, transport infrastructure and sports facilities, enabling it to stage a series of high-profile CAF and FIFA competitions.

The federation chief’s comments also shed light on a recurring challenge facing African football authorities in securing hosts for major tournaments. Many countries have struggled to meet the financial and infrastructure demands required to organise large-scale events, leaving Morocco increasingly viewed as a dependable alternative.

The upcoming WAFCON will mark another significant chapter in Morocco’s efforts to promote women’s football both domestically and across the continent. The country’s women’s national team, known as the Atlas Lionesses, have played a central role in raising the profile of the women’s game through strong performances in recent international competitions.

CAF hopes the 2026 tournament will build on the growing popularity of women’s football in Africa, which has seen rising television audiences, increased commercial interest and improving standards among participating nations.

With much of the required infrastructure already in place, Moroccan officials are confident the country can deliver another successful tournament while further strengthening its standing as a leading destination for international sport.

Lekjaa’s assertion that Morocco “will not lose anything” by hosting the event reflects the federation’s belief that its experience and readiness will allow the tournament to be organised efficiently, while enhancing the country’s reputation on the continental and global stage.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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