FIFA Confirms Inaugural Women’s Club World Cup for January 2028
FIFA has set a historic date for the first-ever FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, confirming that the landmark tournament will be held from January 5 to January 30, 2028. The announcement by the global governing body of football marks a significant milestone in the growth of women’s club football, creating a new elite platform for top women’s teams from around the world.
Originally scheduled to debut in 2026, the Women’s Club World Cup 2028 was postponed following extensive discussions between FIFA and key women’s football stakeholders. The decision was taken to allow additional time to address logistical challenges and ease an increasingly congested international calendar. The delayed launch is expected to help clubs and players prepare more effectively, while also avoiding clashes with major domestic and continental competitions.
Although the host nation is yet to be announced, FIFA’s decision to stage the tournament in January points towards a destination with favourable weather conditions during that period. The winter scheduling places the FIFA women’s football tournament midway through the European domestic season, presenting both excitement and logistical challenges for clubs across UEFA. However, it aligns well with the off-season of the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), potentially simplifying player availability and travel for American clubs.
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will feature 16 teams, with a format designed to balance inclusivity and competitiveness. The competition will begin with a play-in stage involving six clubs, from which three winners will progress to the group stage. These teams will join 13 direct qualifiers to form four groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
Slot allocations reflect the global reach of women’s football. UEFA has been awarded five direct berths, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation of African Football (CAF), Concacaf, and CONMEBOL will each have two automatic qualifiers. An additional play-in route ensures representation from Oceania, underlining FIFA’s commitment to worldwide inclusion.
To sustain momentum in women’s club football ahead of the tournament’s debut, FIFA has also introduced the Women’s Champions Cup. This annual competition will feature six continental champions and act as a lead-up event to the Women’s Club World Cup. The semi-finals and final of the inaugural edition are scheduled for January 2026 in London, offering fans an early glimpse of intercontinental club competition.
For players, clubs and supporters, the announcement represents a major step forward for women’s club football on the global stage. Bringing together elite teams from different continents will not only raise competitive standards but also boost visibility, investment and commercial opportunities within the women’s game. While scheduling challenges remain, particularly in balancing domestic, continental and international commitments, the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup has the potential to become one of the most prestigious and transformative events in international women’s football.
Originally scheduled to debut in 2026, the Women’s Club World Cup 2028 was postponed following extensive discussions between FIFA and key women’s football stakeholders. The decision was taken to allow additional time to address logistical challenges and ease an increasingly congested international calendar. The delayed launch is expected to help clubs and players prepare more effectively, while also avoiding clashes with major domestic and continental competitions.
Although the host nation is yet to be announced, FIFA’s decision to stage the tournament in January points towards a destination with favourable weather conditions during that period. The winter scheduling places the FIFA women’s football tournament midway through the European domestic season, presenting both excitement and logistical challenges for clubs across UEFA. However, it aligns well with the off-season of the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), potentially simplifying player availability and travel for American clubs.
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The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup will feature 16 teams, with a format designed to balance inclusivity and competitiveness. The competition will begin with a play-in stage involving six clubs, from which three winners will progress to the group stage. These teams will join 13 direct qualifiers to form four groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
Slot allocations reflect the global reach of women’s football. UEFA has been awarded five direct berths, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation of African Football (CAF), Concacaf, and CONMEBOL will each have two automatic qualifiers. An additional play-in route ensures representation from Oceania, underlining FIFA’s commitment to worldwide inclusion.
To sustain momentum in women’s club football ahead of the tournament’s debut, FIFA has also introduced the Women’s Champions Cup. This annual competition will feature six continental champions and act as a lead-up event to the Women’s Club World Cup. The semi-finals and final of the inaugural edition are scheduled for January 2026 in London, offering fans an early glimpse of intercontinental club competition.
For players, clubs and supporters, the announcement represents a major step forward for women’s club football on the global stage. Bringing together elite teams from different continents will not only raise competitive standards but also boost visibility, investment and commercial opportunities within the women’s game. While scheduling challenges remain, particularly in balancing domestic, continental and international commitments, the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup has the potential to become one of the most prestigious and transformative events in international women’s football.
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