FIFA Announces Rescheduled Start for Inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028

The inaugural Women’s Club World Cup has been rescheduled to 2028, shifting from its initial 2026 launch, as confirmed by FIFA on Wednesday.

In its place, the new six-team FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will kick off in 2026, featuring the champions from each of the six continental club competitions, as announced following the FIFA Council meeting where the new format received approval.

“Women’s football has reached unprecedented heights at the national team level, and now it’s time for global competitions that highlight the finest clubs from around the globe,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “These FIFA events will foster growth, inspire athletes, cultivate new rivalries, engage a wider audience, and celebrate heroes from all corners of the world.”

The postponement of the Women’s Club World Cup, first revealed after a council meeting in May, aims to provide stakeholders with additional preparation time and to give female players some respite amid a packed schedule.

The Women’s Club World Cup will feature a play-in round comprising six teams, with the three victors moving on to the group stage, where they will join 13 other clubs.

The AFC, CAF, Concacaf, and CONMEBOL confederations will each secure two direct entries, while UEFA will grant five places. The group stage will consist of four groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout phase.

The first three tournaments of the Champions Cup are set to take place in 2026, 2027, and 2029.

“These are not just new tournaments – they are catalysts for the future of our sport that will elevate standards, offer crucial growth opportunities, drive local development, and generate new revenue on a global scale,” commented Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer and a two-time World Cup-winning coach.

The semi-finals and final of the first Champions Cup will be hosted from January 28 to February 1 at a neutral venue to be announced later.