FIFA confirmed the creation of the first Women’s Club World Cup, a historic tournament to be held from January 5 to 30, 2028, which represents a key step in the consolidation of women’s soccer at a global level. Although the venue has not yet been announced, the governing body of world soccer has announced that it will be a country with favorable weather conditions, considering that January is winter in most of the northern hemisphere.
The decision was endorsed during a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, Qatar, where both the dates and the general format of the competition were approved. This project had already been anticipated by FIFA months ago, when it announced its intention to launch a women’s competition equivalent to the Men’s Club World Cup, the most recent expanded version of which was held in the United States.
Tournament format and schedule
The Women’s Club World Cup will feature 16 teams and will have a similar format to other international competitions.
The main phase will be divided into four groups of four clubs, from which the best will advance to the direct elimination round, which will begin with the quarterfinals and conclude with the tournament final.
Prior to the group stage, a “play-in” round will be played in which six teams will participate.
Only three clubs will advance to the main draw, completing the final 16 participants.
Distribution of seats by confederation
FIFA also defined how the quotas will be distributed by region for this Women’s Club World Cup.
Europe will have five direct places, while Asia, Africa, CONCACAF and South America will have two representatives each.
The play-in round will include clubs from all six confederations, including Oceania.
For the U.S. Hispanic audience, this news is especially relevant.
The NWSL is in recess during January, which facilitates the participation of U.S. clubs without affecting their local calendar.
Unlike some European leagues that will be in full season.
However, FIFA clarified that there will be no conflict with the Women’s Champions League, as it goes on hiatus that month.
It will feature 16 teams
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A key step for women’s soccer
With this Women’s Club World Cup, FIFA seeks to expand the competitive ecosystem of women’s soccer.
In addition to offering greater international visibility to the champion clubs in each region and creating a global scenario comparable to the one that has existed for years in the men’s category.
The Women’s Club World Cup will not only mark a sporting milestone, but also reflects the steady growth of women’s soccer.
As well as its consolidation as a global product with real impact on audiences, leagues and players around the world.
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