2027 Women's World Cup: Danny Jordaan makes Africa's case

African women's football lags behind the leading nations, the president of the South African Football Association seems to be saying between the lines. To close or at least narrow that gap, he argues, the next World Cup should be awarded to South Africa.

Danny Jordaan sees hosting as a step towards equality in world football, which is not the case at present. He points to the inequities that have marked the development of the men's game and the consequences they have today. "When you look at world football, the first men's World Cup took place in 1930. The first World Cup in Africa took place in 2010. Nearly 100 years later. And as a result, the gap in men's football between European and South American football and that of Africa and Asia is now impossible to close," he argues.

Economically, the South African official sees African women's football following the same path as the men's game, where Europe draws in almost all the revenue. Unless there is a revolution. "Of world football's revenues, 80% go to Europe. So Africa is on the margins. Now, if we sit back and do nothing, the same pattern will emerge in women's football and we will struggle to close the gap." And president Danny Jordaan went on to say: "If we want football to be truly global, we must increase the competitiveness of football around the world."

Read more on the same subject: Morocco: Nouhaila Benzina, the 1st player in a hijab in Women's World Cup history

South Africa also has strong arguments on infrastructure

South Africa has no shortage of arguments to back its bid. It has quality infrastructure, notably the stadiums built in 2010 to host the first World Cup on African soil.

Wrapping up his case, the federation president concludes: "I think Africa can produce a Women's World Cup winner well before the men finally produce an African winner. Of course, Morocco reached the semi-final in Qatar last year, but I think it will be quite a challenge for Africa to eventually win a men's World Cup. But that doesn't mean you should give up. But I think that on the women's side, we have a better chance."

The host of the next Women's World Cup will be announced at the next FIFA congress in Bangkok in May, based on a vote by FIFA's member associations.

Last-minute magic!

Amanda Ilestedt steps into the #SpotlightOfTheDay for her last-gasp winning goal for @svenskfotboll against South Africa 🇸🇪

Unlucky #13? Not today. pic.twitter.com/Isejucx9mS

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 23, 2023