FIFA has confirmed that the first edition of the Women’s Club World Cup will take place in January and February 2026.
According to FIFA, the tournament – which would be competed by 16 teams – will be held every four years and fall during the domestic season for European leagues, between the Women’s Champions League group stages and the knockout rounds.
In December 2022, the world football governing body announced its intention to create a global women’s club competition in December 2022 and on Wednesday in Bangkok, a FIFA congress confirmed the plans.
Barcelona are the current European champions, NY Gotham FC are the reigning NWSL champions and Brazilian side Corinthians are the holders of the Copa Libertadores Femenina.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes the new Women’s calendar will help regulate women’s football as the congress also approved a new international match calendar from 2026-29.
“The women’s international match calendar and the subsequent amendments to our regulations represent an important milestone in our pledge to take the women’s game to the next level by enhancing competitiveness across the world,” he said.
Although a date has been set, it is yet to be revealed how the teams would qualify and where the tournament would be played.
In the meantime, the Congress would now switch focus to vote for the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup with Brazil up against a joint bid from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
By Frank-Kamal Acheampong|3Sports|Onuaonline.com|Ghana
