FIFA Announces Inaugural Women’s Club World Cup Set for January 2028

Post by : Mara Rahim

FIFA has officially confirmed that the first Women’s Club World Cup is scheduled for January 2028. The event is planned from January 5 to January 30, with the host nation yet to be determined. However, the timing suggests it will likely be held in a warmer locale. The decision came during a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, Qatar.

This new competition will consist of 16 teams from various countries, building upon the expanded men’s Club World Cup and aiming to enhance the development of women’s football at the club level. While the tournament might overlap with certain European domestic leagues, like England’s Women’s Super League, it will not interfere with the Women’s Champions League, which observes a break in January. Meanwhile, the NWSL in the United States will also be off-season at that time.

The format will feature four groups of four teams each, leading to knockout rounds beginning at the quarterfinal stage. Additionally, a preliminary round with six teams will take place, from which three will advance to the main tournament.

Europe will have the highest representation with five teams guaranteed a spot, while Asia, Africa, South America, and the Concacaf region will each contribute two teams. The remaining spots, including one from Oceania, will be determined through the play-in round. FIFA emphasizes that this tournament aims to boost visibility for women’s club football and enhance competitive dynamics among elite teams on a global scale.