FIFA launches 2 new major competitions

World football governing body FIFA has announced significant developments in women's football with the introduction of two major competitions: the FIFA Women's Champions Cup and the FIFA Women's Club World Cup.

The Women's Club World Cup, initially planned for 2026, has been postponed to 2028, while the Women's Champions Cup will debut in January 2026.

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This strategic move aims to elevate women's club football globally, following the success of national team competitions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the importance of these new tournaments, stating, "Women’s football has reached new heights at the national-team level, and now it’s time for global competitions that showcase the best clubs from around the world.”

“These FIFA competitions will stimulate growth, inspire athletes, create new rivalries, engage more fans and crown heroes from all over the world," he added via the website.

The FIFA Women's Champions Cup, set to take place annually except in years when the Women's Club World Cup occurs, will feature the winners of each confederation's club championships.

The inaugural edition is scheduled from January 28 to February 1, 2026, and will be hosted in either Europe, North America, or South America.

The tournament will include a preliminary stage where the AFC champions will face the OFC champions, with the winner advancing to meet the CAF champions.

The winner will then join the UEFA, Concacaf, and CONMEBOL champions in a Final Four stage at a neutral venue.

In contrast, the FIFA Women's Club World Cup will be a quadrennial event starting in January-February 2028.

It will feature 16 teams in the group stage, with 13 teams qualifying directly from the confederations and three additional teams earning spots through a play-in tournament.

UEFA will have five direct berths, while the AFC, CAF, Concacaf, and CONMEBOL will each have two.

The OFC will not have a direct qualifier but will participate in the play-in stage. The group stage will consist of four groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

These competitions were ratified by the FIFA Council, marking a significant step forward in the development of women's club football, providing a global platform for the best clubs to compete and grow the sport worldwide.