FIFA Women’s Club World Cup Set to Launch in 2028
FIFA has officially confirmed the launch of the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, a groundbreaking tournament that will bring together the top women’s football clubs from across the globe. Initially planned for 2026, the tournament has now been rescheduled to debut in January-February 2028.
The decision to delay the tournament was made to ensure that it fits into the already crowded international football calendar while maintaining the integrity of domestic and continental competitions. Following a FIFA advisory meeting, the tournament has been given the green light, marking a major milestone in women’s football.
New Format: 16 Teams to Compete for Global Glory
The Women’s Club World Cup will feature 16 teams representing different confederations, ensuring global representation and an elite level of competition. The qualification format has been structured to ensure that all major football regions have a fair pathway to the tournament.
Allocation of Spots in the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup
- UEFA (Europe) – Five teams
- AFC (Asia) – Two teams
- CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean) – Two teams
- CAF (Africa) – Two teams
- CONMEBOL (South America) – Two teams
- OFC (Oceania) & Other Federations – Playoffs (Six teams competing for three spots)
With clubs from federations outside of these regions competing in playoffs, the competition will truly embrace global diversity and provide smaller footballing nations a chance to shine on the biggest stage.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the announcement as a “defining moment” for women’s football, emphasizing the need for a strong global platform for club teams to showcase their talent.
“The FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will be a defining moment in the growth of women’s club football, giving the world’s top clubs the platform they deserve to compete against the best and put the women’s club game in the global spotlight,” Infantino stated.
The Introduction of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in 2026
Before the Women’s Club World Cup kicks off in 2028, FIFA will first introduce a new international club competition: the Women’s Champions Cup. This tournament, set to begin in 2026, will serve as an annual competition for the best club teams from each confederation.
Unlike the Women’s Club World Cup, which will be held every four years, the Champions Cup will be a yearly tournament, except for years when the Club World Cup takes place.
Format of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
- The Champions Cup will feature six teams, each representing the most recent continental champion from their confederation.
- The tournament will take place over five days, with the inaugural edition scheduled for 27 January 2026 to 31 January 2026.
- The Champions League winner from UEFA, along with winners from AFC, CONCACAF, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC, will compete for the title.
This new initiative is expected to boost the visibility of women’s club football by giving elite teams the opportunity to compete in an international setting more frequently.
How the Women’s Club World Cup and Champions Cup Will Impact Women’s Football
The introduction of these tournaments is a huge step forward for women’s football, both in terms of global recognition and financial investment.
Here’s how these competitions will positively impact the sport:
1. More Competitive Matches for Women’s Club Teams
Historically, club teams have only competed against their domestic and continental rivals. With these new FIFA tournaments, top teams will now have the opportunity to test themselves against clubs from different continents, improving the quality of competition.
2. Increased Global Exposure for Women’s Football
The FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will bring worldwide attention to women’s club football, similar to what the Men’s Club World Cup has done for the men’s game. Clubs from regions like Asia, Africa, and South America will have a platform to showcase their best talent on a global stage.
3. Financial Growth and Sponsorship Opportunities
With greater exposure comes increased sponsorship and broadcasting deals. More funding and investment in women’s football will help clubs develop better facilities, coaching staff, and youth academies, ensuring sustainable growth for the sport.
4. More Playing Opportunities for Women’s Footballers
Many players have expressed their desire for more high-stakes international matches at the club level. These competitions will give elite women’s players more opportunities to compete on a global stage, pushing the overall standard of the game higher.
What’s Next? The Road to 2028
With FIFA officially confirming the Women’s Club World Cup and Champions Cup, the next steps involve:
- Finalizing the host nations for both tournaments.
- Establishing qualification pathways for different regions.
- Building commercial and broadcasting partnerships to maximize global coverage.
- Ensuring proper scheduling so that these tournaments fit into the football calendar without affecting major domestic and international competitions.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changing Move for Women’s Club Football
The FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and Champions Cup represent a significant milestone in the growth of women’s football. By providing a global platform for club teams, FIFA is taking an important step toward leveling the playing field and ensuring that the women’s game continues to grow in prominence.
With the first Women’s Champions Cup set to launch in 2026 and the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, the future of women’s club football looks brighter than ever.
