Japan have withdrawn their bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup just three days before FIFA announce the victor.

The two bids still in the running to host the global tournament are a joint one by Australia and New Zealand and another put forward by Colombia.

The Japanese Football Association are now backing the joint bid.

Kozo Tashima, JFA’s chairman, hasn’t ruled out bidding for the World Cup in future. He said: “We have shown how we could host the tournament in Japan in our bid, so I don't think our efforts were in vain.”

Due to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, which will now take place in 2021, the governing body felt it would be unlikely they would be awarded the tournament.

The winning bid will be revealed on Thursday by FIFA. 

Last year’s World Cup attracted record audiences, with the US lifting the trophy after beating The Netherlands 2-0 in the final.