Head of the South African Football Association, Lydia Monyepao, said the association felt it was better to present a better prepared bid for 2031, rather than show a presentation made in haste. The deadline for submitting precise plans from candidates to host the competition was set by FIFA for December 8.

Following this withdrawal, three bids remain in the running to host the 2027 World Cup: one from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany; another from the United States and Mexico; and finally, one from Brazil.

The country or countries selected will be decided at the FIFA Congress to be held in
Bangkok in May.