FIFA has revealed their intentions to launch the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2026.
FIFA has recently announced that the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup will be held in January and February 2026. This exciting competition will feature 16 teams and will take place every four years, filling the gap between the Women’s UEFA Champions League group stage and knockout rounds. It will also coincide with the domestic campaigns in the European leagues and precede the start of the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League.
Although details regarding the qualification process and the host country for the first edition of the tournament have yet to be revealed, this announcement has generated a lot of anticipation among fans and players alike. The Women’s Club World Cup is set to be a significant step forward in the development of women’s football, particularly in regions where the sport is less established.
In addition to the Women’s Club World Cup, FIFA has also introduced a new international match calendar for the period between 2026 and 2029. This revised calendar aims to provide players with more opportunities for recovery and reduce the number of international breaks from six to five. The changes have been made with the well-being of the players in mind and are expected to enhance competitiveness in women’s football worldwide.
During the 74th FIFA congress in Bangkok, FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for these developments, stating that they mark an important milestone in the organization’s commitment to elevating the women’s game. He emphasized the benefits of agreeing on the calendar well in advance, as it allows for better planning and preparation.
As the current European champions, Barcelona will be looking to defend their title against Lyon in the upcoming Women’s Champions League final in Bilbao on May 25. These two teams are the powerhouses of women’s football in Europe, having won a combined total of 10 Champions League titles in the last 13 years. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two exceptional sides.
Meanwhile, NY Gotham FC holds the title in the National Women’s Soccer League, while Corinthians reign supreme in the Copa Libertadores Femenina. These clubs will undoubtedly be eager to showcase their talent and compete in the Women’s Club World Cup when it kicks off in 2026.
In other news, the FIFA congress will soon vote on the hosts for the Women’s World Cup in 2027. The joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the solo bid from Brazil, are currently under consideration. The decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of women’s football and will be eagerly awaited by fans and stakeholders around the world.