FIFA Launches Women's Club World Cup & Champions Cup

FIFA Women's Club World Cup 2028: A Game-Changer for Women's Football

🌍 Women's Football Gets Its Own Club World Cup! FIFA has officially announced the launch of the FIFA Women's Club World Cup, set to debut in 2028. This tournament aims to revolutionize women's club football, bringing the best teams from across the world into a single global competition.

The tournament, which will feature 16 teams from six confederations, promises to elevate women's football to new heights—both commercially and competitively. In addition, FIFA has introduced another annual global event, the FIFA Women's Champions Cup, which will kick off in 2026.

With increasing investments, rising viewership, and growing sponsorship deals in women's football, these competitions could become the most prestigious club tournaments in the sport's history. 🚀

🏆 FIFA Women's Club World Cup 2028: Everything You Need to Know

📌 What is the FIFA Women's Club World Cup?

FIFA’s Women’s Club World Cup is a global club competition that will take place every four years, starting in 2028. It follows the footsteps of the men’s Club World Cup but will focus solely on elite women’s club teams from around the world.

🔹 First Edition: 2028

🔹 Frequency: Every 4 years

🔹 Teams: 16 clubs from different continents

🔹 Confederations Represented: UEFA (Europe), CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (North America), CONMEBOL (South America), and OFC (Oceania)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that this tournament is crucial for the development of women’s football at the club level:

"Women's football has reached new heights at national-team level, and now it's time for global competitions that showcase the best clubs from around the world."

This move is expected to enhance competitiveness and provide greater financial opportunities for women's clubs worldwide.

📊 Tournament Format & Qualification Criteria

The FIFA Women's Club World Cup will bring together 16 teams, with a qualification system designed to ensure global representation.

How Teams Will Qualify

✅ Direct Qualification (13 Teams)

5 European clubs (UEFA Champions League winners & top-ranked clubs)

2 South American clubs (Copa Libertadores Femenina winners & runners-up)

2 North American clubs (CONCACAF Women's Champions League finalists)

2 Asian clubs (AFC Women’s Champions League finalists)

1 African club (CAF Women’s Champions League winner)

1 Oceania club (OFC Women’s Champions League winner)

✅ Play-In Qualification (3 Teams)

Additional three teams will earn their spots through a one-match knockout playoff.

⚽ How Will the Tournament Work?

Once teams qualify, the tournament will follow a group-stage format, followed by knockout rounds leading up to the final.

📍 Tournament Phases:

1️⃣ Group Stage: 16 teams divided into 4 groups of 4

2️⃣ Quarterfinals: Top two teams from each group qualify

3️⃣ Semifinals: Four teams battle for a spot in the final

4️⃣ Final: A historic showdown for the first-ever Women’s Club World Cup trophy 🏆

📅 Venues & Hosts

FIFA has yet to announce the host nation for the tournament.

Neutral venues will be used, ensuring fair conditions for all teams.

💰 Prize Money & Transfers

FIFA will set a new benchmark for women's club football earnings with prize money allocation.

Potential adjustments to transfer windows to accommodate the tournament schedule.

🔥 FIFA Women's Champions Cup (2026) – A New Annual Tournament

FIFA has also unveiled another groundbreaking competition: The FIFA Women's Champions Cup, starting in 2026. This event will run annually, except in years when the Women's Club World Cup is held.

🏆 Key Details of the Women's Champions Cup:

Features 6 teams, including the winners from each confederation

Matches will be held every January

First edition: January 2026

Final and third-place playoff scheduled for February 1, 2026

📌 How Does the Champions Cup Work?

1️⃣ First Round:

Asia & Oceania champions face off

2️⃣ Second Round:

The winner from Round 1 faces the African champion

3️⃣ Semifinals:

UEFA Women's Champions League winner joins at this stage

CONCACAF & Copa Libertadores Femenina champions play in the other semi

4️⃣ Final & Third-Place Match:

Winners compete for the title 🎖

🏟 Tournament Locations

The final stages will be hosted in Europe, North America, or South America, with a decision expected in June 2025.

📊 Why These Tournaments Matter for Women's Football

The introduction of these two major competitions marks a turning point for women's club football. Here’s why:

📈 Financial Growth & Sponsorships:

Women’s football viewership has skyrocketed 📺

More sponsors and broadcasters are investing, leading to higher revenues 💰

🌍 Global Expansion & More Competitive Matches:

Clubs outside of Europe will gain more exposure and higher competition levels

More high-profile matches between top clubs from different continents

👩‍⚖️ Minimum Standards & Player Welfare:

FIFA aims to set higher standards for participating clubs

More time for rest and recovery will be allocated to avoid player fatigue concerns

🗓️ Key Dates for Global Women's Football Events

July 2025: UEFA Women's European Championship

January 2026: FIFA Women's Champions Cup (First Edition)

January 2027: FIFA Women's Champions Cup (Second Edition)

June 2027: FIFA Women's World Cup

July 2028: Olympic Games

2028: FIFA Women's Club World Cup (First Edition)

January 2029: FIFA Women's Champions Cup (Third Edition)

🎯 Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Women's Club Football

The FIFA Women's Club World Cup (2028) and Women's Champions Cup (2026) are expected to redefine women's club football.

💡 Why This Matters:

✅ Bigger global platform for women's football

✅ More financial incentives for clubs

✅ Stronger international rivalries

✅ Higher TV viewership & commercial growth

With women's football reaching unprecedented levels of popularity, these tournaments will ensure the world’s best clubs get the recognition and competitive opportunities they deserve.

📢 What do you think? Will the Women's Club World Cup be as successful as the men's? Drop your thoughts below! 👇⚽