In a landmark decision, FIFA has confirmed the scheduling of the first-ever Women's Club World Cup, slated to take place in January and February of 2026.
The tournament is set to feature 16 teams, although specifics regarding qualification criteria and host locations have yet to be disclosed by FIFA's ruling council.
European powerhouses Barcelona and Lyon emerge as frontrunners for the inaugural event, boasting a collective tally of 10 Champions League titles since 2011. Their upcoming clash in the Champions League final on May 25 in Bilbao, Spain, underscores their dominance in the European scene.
Coinciding with the men's Club World Cup, which kicks off in June-July 2025 in the United States, FIFA's decision to launch the women's edition underscores its commitment to advancing women's football globally. The men's tournament will feature 12 European and six South American teams, earned through successes in continental championships leading up to 2024.
FIFA envisions the Women's Club World Cup as a quadrennial event, mirroring the format of its male counterpart. In intervening years, plans are in place for an "additional FIFA women’s club competition" to be organized.
Furthermore, FIFA aims to introduce an annual "Intercontinental Cup" in December, showcasing the champions from the six men's continental competitions, including Europe's Champions League.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in FIFA's strategy to promote and elevate women's football under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, elected in 2016.
