FIFA has confirmed a major revamp of women’s club football with the introduction of two new tournaments: the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup (set to begin in 2026) and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup (set for 2028).
The announcement, made on March 5, 2025, has sparked mixed reactions from the women’s football community.
Key Changes to Women’s Club Football
FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, Sarai Bareman, emphasized that these competitions are part of a strategic effort to develop women’s football on a global scale.
“This is a super exciting time for women’s football. Over the last 10 months, my team and I have been on what we call a ‘listening tour’ with key stakeholders—players, confederations—to refine the details of these club competitions. What we presented to the FIFA Council today is a result of that consultation.”
Breakdown of the Two New Tournaments
1. FIFA Women’s Champions Cup (2026 – Annual Tournament)
- Will take place every year starting from January 2026.
- Features six continental champions from different confederations.
- Will serve as a stepping stone toward the bigger Women’s Club World Cup.
2. FIFA Women’s Club World Cup (2028 – Quadrennial Tournament)
- The first edition will be in 2028, running every four years.
- Features 16 teams, with direct qualification for major confederations (Europe, South America, North America) and play-in opportunities for others.
- The final will be hosted in North America, South America, or Europe.
The introduction of these tournaments has received both praise and skepticism. Supporters believe it will elevate the competitiveness of women’s club football and bring global recognition to more teams. However, some critics worry about player workload, scheduling conflicts, and financial sustainability.
Regardless, this marks a historic milestone for women’s football, with FIFA pushing for greater investment and visibility in the club game.