South Africa has decided to withdraw its bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027. Instead, they will focus on preparing a bid for the 2031 tournament. This decision has been confirmed by South Africa’s Football Association.
There are now three bids remaining in the running. These include a joint bid from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, a joint bid from the United States and Mexico, and a bid from Brazil.
The SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said: “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.”
The Women’s World Cup has not yet been assigned, which has caused controversy. The tournament is only four years away, while the hosts for the men’s tournaments in 2026, 2030, and 2034 have already been announced. Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host in 2026, while Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will host in 2030, and Saudi Arabia will host in 2034.
The bidding process for the 2027 World Cup will continue, and FIFA will announce the hosts in May 2024, just three years before the tournament.
