The South African Football Association (SAFA) has selected 10 stadiums to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in South Africa, with iDiski Times learning which stadia are on the list.
SAFA sent their bidding document to FIFA as part of its commitment to host Women’s World Cup in 2027.
The South African football mother body was asked to put the bid together, just like ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, turning the tide of modern sporting history.
SAFA wrote in the bidding document seen by iDiski Times: “The most successful FIFA World Cup was delivered on African soil in the first attempt to host an event of this magnitude. Millions of African people will not forget this great expression of faith and confidence. South Africa has a proven track record in meeting major challenges as a nation. We have overcome the challenges of apartheid in sports and society. As a united democracy, we have successfully hosted many major international events. We relish a challenge.”
Why South Africa?
SAFA continue their argument for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in South Africa:
“South Africa will once again have the opportunity to showcase its venues and cities, which are a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World World Cup. In our stadiums and transport network, our cutting-edge IT framework, our technology and communications systems, our hotels and accommodation capacity, our human administration skills and our marketing ability in all these areas, South Africa can compare with any other industry.
“Hosting will contribute immensely to tourism as it will attract supporters of the 32 participating nations, some of whom may well repeat visits to the country and the region.
“In addition, the country and the region will receive a welcome injection of foreign capital with the various visitors to the country and the SADC region as they follow their teams during the event.
“Local businesses – hotels, food and beverage, car rental, cellular services, airlines, tourist sites and other related entities – will also benefit financially.
“Hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will allow for growth to continue and further advance women’s football in this country, the region and the continent.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is one of the fastest-growing sports in terms of participation and TV viewership.
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“Increased exposure of the sport means more fans in the stadia and attraction of sponsors and partners to the women’s game
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 TM will inspire women and girls in South Africa, the region and the rest of the African Continent to participate actively in football, not just as players, but as match officials, administrators, coaches and volunteers.”
Which stadia are part of the bid?
SAFA have submitted 10 stadiums as part of their official bid, namely:
- FNB Stadium (Johannesburg)
- Orlando Stadium (Johannesburg)
- Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)
- DHL Stadium (Cape Town)
- Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit)
- Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Gqeberha)
- Free State Stadium (Mangaung)
- Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg)
- Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane)
- Griqua Stadium (Kimberly)
A minimum of eight stadiums is required to organise the competition. However, in order to ensure a viable stadium selection process, it is a core requirement that a minimum of 10 stadiums be proposed as part of a bid.
South Africa hosted the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup and will use the infrastructure that was built for these tournaments.
The other bidding nations are a joint-bid by Belgium, Germany and Netherlands, a joint-bid by the United States of America and Mexico as well as a bid by Brazil.
The appointment of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup host(s) will be known in 2024.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
