18 July 2023 – South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has been invited by FIFA to attend the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup between tournament co-hosts New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park, Auckland, on Thursday (20 July 2023).
The SAFA President travels to Auckland on Tuesday (18 July 2023) and after attending the World Cup opening match, he will then switch to Wellington to join the Banyana Banyana camp. Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges play their opening match against Sweden at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington on 23 July 2023.
The trip also presents Dr Jordaan with an opportunity to engage the global football decision-makers around South Africa’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. Besides South Africa, the other bids to host the event are from Brazil, and joint bids from Mexico and the United States of America, and the trio of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
“This presents a unique opportunity to promote the interests of South Africa,” Dr Jordaan said.
“FIFA is also organising a workshop for all of the bidding countries in Sydney, Australia on the 8 August 2023. The bidding nations will get an opportunity to engage directly with global delegates and the FIFA leadership in Australia.”
Dr Jordaan and a SAFA delegation led by CEO Lydia Monyepao will also engage with Australia and New Zealand directly during the tournament in the coming weeks.
The SAFA President will also engage FIFA on the terms and conditions for South Africa’s participation in the qualification rounds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
“Our participation in the Africa Cup of Nations next year will also be a key indicator as we continue with the qualification matches that will only be finalized in 2025. The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification will provide each participating country with a series of 10 matches, five home and five away. It’s the highest number of matches in the history of FIFA qualifiers.”
Remaining 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid dates:
August 2023: Bid workshop and observer programme to take place during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
8 December 2023: Member Associations to submit their bids to FIFA
February 2024: FIFA to organise on-site inspection visits to bidding countries
May 2024: Publication of FIFA’s Bid Evaluation Report
Q2 2024: Designation of bids by the FIFA Council
17 May 2024: Appointment of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 host(s) by the FIFA Congress
The above dates are subject to change.