FIFA has confirmed that the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup will be held in January and February 2026.
The 16-team tournament will occur every four years, fitting into the European domestic season between the Women’s Champions League group stages and knockout rounds.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season in the USA typically starts in March.
FIFA announced plans for a global women’s club competition in December 2022, and the FIFA Congress confirmed these plans on Wednesday in Bangkok.
Currently, Barcelona are the European champions, NY Gotham FC are the reigning NWSL champions, and Brazilian side Corinthians hold the Copa Libertadores Femenina title.
The FIFA Congress also approved a new international match calendar for 2026-29, aiming to provide players with more rest and recovery opportunities by reducing the number of international breaks from six to five.
“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,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
The first edition of the expanded men’s Club World Cup, which will also be held every four years, is set to take place next summer.
Additionally, the FIFA Congress will vote on the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with Brazil competing against a joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.