South Africa drop out of race to host 2027 World Cup

South Africa withdraw from bidding to host the Women's World Cup | Imago

South Africa drop out of race to host 2027 World Cup

Ayoola Kelechi 10:15 - 25.11.2023

After careful consideration, South Africa has decided to pull out of the bidding process for the 2027 Women's World Cup

South Africa has decided to withdraw its bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup as it feels unprepared to make a successful bid and has chosen to focus on the 2031 edition instead.

South Africa withdraw from World Cup hosting bid

No African country has hosted the Women’s World Cup in its 29-year history, and South Africa had hoped to become the first to do so after also becoming the first nation on the continent to host the men’s edition.

However, with the May 2024 date for the final decision on hosting rights for the 2027 Women’s World Cup getting closer, South Africa has decided to withdraw from the process due to preparatory reasons.

South African Football Association CEO Lydia Monyepao announced the country’s withdrawal from the bidding process, saying, “It is quite unfortunate that we have to pull out of bidding for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but after doing an assessment and consulting extensively, the decision had to be made.

The Super Falcons were the 10th best team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Image Credit - (Imago)
The Super Falcons were the 10th best team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Image Credit: (Imago)

“We felt that it was better to present a well-prepared bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and ensure we put our best foot forward, rather than producing a rushed presentation.”

SAFA explain reasons for withdrawing from 2027 World Cup bidding

In the absence of a World Cup bid, South Africa will now focus their attention on ensuring that they get a strong women’s national team to represent them at the 2023 edition of the tournament.

The statement by SAFA also read, “This [decision to withdraw thier bid] does not diminish our commitment to women’s football, and has instead strengthened our commitment to produce a strong South African women’s team for 2031, and a compelling bid for the same tournament.

“The focus is now on making sure that African champions Banyana Banyana have a competitive team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa | Imago
Opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa | Imago

In South Africa’s absence, the rights to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup will now be contested by three other competitors, including a joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, a solo bid from Brazil, and another joint bid from Mexico and the United States, who will also host the 2026 Men’s World Cup alongside Canada.

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