South Africa, three others enter 2027 Women's World Cup hosting race

The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy | Courtesy Imago

Women Football South Africa, three others enter 2027 Women's World Cup hosting race

Allan Damba 08:31 - 25.04.2023

However, unlike in the past, where it featured 24 teams, they are set to be 32 in 2027.

World football governing body FIFA has confirmed four contenders to compete to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.

The race, which includes South Africa, also has Brazil, a joint bid of the United States and Mexico, plus a coalition of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

"We are thrilled by the expressions of interest received," said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura via FIFA.com.

"Not least because they come from member associations with a strong football tradition representing four confederations, thus confirming the consistent popularity of women's football across the world," Samoura added.

The host will be announced on May 17th, 2024, at the annual FIFA Congress. However, a venue for the congress is yet to be announced by the global football custodians.

"All member associations can rely on the most robust and comprehensive bidding process in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup."

It should be noted that South Africa hosted a hugely successful Men's World Cup in 2010, clinched by Spain, but also the first on the continent.

However, the same can be said of Germany and Brazil, who hosted in 2006 and 2014, respectively. US and Mexico are already set for the 2026 edition.

For starters, the women's world cup, just like the men's edition, is played after a four-year cycle.

However, unlike in the past, where it featured 24 teams, they are set to be 32 in 2027.

The last edition was held in 2019 in France and was won by the United States.

Meanwhile, the 2023 World Cup, slated for July and August, will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.