In a strategic move, South Africa has decided to withdraw its bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2027, citing the challenging time frame for the bid development.
The South African Football Association (Safa) expressed the intention to channel its efforts into presenting a more robust bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
Safa Chief Executive Lydia Monyepao stated, “The time frame for developing the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup bid has been challenging. We felt that it was better to present a well-prepared bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup rather than producing a rushed presentation.”
Fifa is set to announce the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in May, and South Africa’s decision leaves Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands in a joint bid, a joint bid by Mexico and the United States, and Brazil as the remaining candidates.
This strategic move comes after South Africa’s women’s national soccer team, “Banyana Banyana,” claimed victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Morocco one year ago.
The decision to focus on the 2031 bid aligns with Safa’s commitment to presenting a comprehensive and well-prepared proposal for hosting the prestigious tournament.
Thirty years ago, the “Banyana Banyana” made history by playing their first-ever match as a nation emerging from apartheid.
The withdrawal from the 2027 bid emphasizes South Africa’s dedication to contributing significantly to the global stage of women’s football in the years to come.
