The 2027 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be organized in South Africa, experienced a turnaround with the withdrawal of the South African candidacy. The country made this decision to avoid presenting a rushed proposal during the submission scheduled for December. Lydia Monyepao, head of the South African Football Association, said: “We preferred to present a better prepared bid for 2031 rather than proposing a hasty presentation.” The decision now leaves three candidates in the running to host the tournament: the association between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the United States and Mexico, as well as Brazil.
The final decision will be made at the FIFA Congress to be held in Bangkok next May. Ahead of the event, candidates will need to submit detailed plans to attract the attention and favor of world football’s governing body.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was won by Spain. This tournament was a great success and helped to increase enthusiasm for women’s football around the world.
The economic and media benefits of the Women’s World Cup are increasingly significant, offering host countries an opportunity to showcase their sporting infrastructures, promote the development of women’s football and attract attention from around the world.
Despite South Africa’s withdrawal, the remaining bids promise fierce competition to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The selected countries will have to demonstrate their ability to organize an event of international stature, while committing to promoting the gender equality and to support the continued growth of women’s football.
The final decision will be a crucial moment for the development of the sport and gender equality in football. We look forward to knowing which country will have the honor of hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup and continuing to support the progression of women’s football around the world.