South Africa to bid for hosting 2027 Women’s World Cup

South Africa, which hosted the men’s World Cup in 2010, intends to bid to host the 2027 women’s edition, the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced.

“We would love to have the opportunity to roll out the red carpet again in 2027 for the women’s tournament,” said SAFA chief executive Tebogo Motlanthe. The decision was made last weekend at the federation’s executive council meeting.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany have already made a joint bid. South Africa was in the running to host the women’s competition in 2023 but finally withdrew. In 2010, the southern African country became the only African country to host a World Cup.

The 64 matches held in one month took place in ten stadiums, five of which were purpose-built. These facilities are now used by soccer and rugby teams.

South Africa, Morocco, Zambia and Nigeria are the African countries that have qualified for the Women’s World Cup in 2023, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Cameroon and Senegal are among the ten teams that have qualified for the play-offs (February 2023), with three spots up for grabs.