FIFA has confirmed plans to introduce a Women's Club World Cup, which will take place every four years starting in 2028. Additionally, the governing body is launching a Women's Champions Cup in 2026, marking the first global club competition for women's football. The Champions Cup will be held annually, except in years when the Club World Cup takes place, and will feature six teams. Initially, FIFA had planned to debut a 16-team Club World Cup in 2026, but this was officially rescheduled during a FIFA Council meeting. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of these tournaments in elevating women's club football, stating that with women's national teams reaching new heights, it is time for clubs to showcase their talent on a global stage.
The Women's Club World Cup will feature 16 teams from all six continental confederations, with 13 teams securing direct qualification and three additional spots being decided through play-in matches. The competition will follow a structured format with group-stage matches, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, all hosted at neutral venues. While the specific dates and host nation are yet to be confirmed, FIFA is also considering adjustments to the transfer window and prize money allocation for participating teams. The delay in launching the tournament was reportedly to ensure adequate time for scheduling discussions, especially considering concerns over player welfare. FIFA is also expected to introduce minimum requirements for clubs aiming to compete in the tournament, with the broader goal of promoting competitiveness in women's club football worldwide.
In addition to the Club World Cup, FIFA is introducing the Women’s Champions Cup to help clubs enhance their commercial opportunities. This annual competition will bring together the champions of each continental confederation, with six teams competing in a structured format. The tournament will start with preliminary rounds, where Asia and Oceania’s champions will face off, and the winner will play against Africa’s top club. European Champions League winners will join in the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the earlier rounds, while North and South America’s champions will compete in the other semi-final. The final will be held on February 1, 2026. The Champions Cup will continue in 2027 and 2029, with seedings based on past performances. With these tournaments, FIFA aims to expand the global reach of women's club football and create more competitive opportunities for clubs across continents.
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