United States confirmed as host of first FIFA Women’s Club World Cup

FIFA confirmed on 22 October 2026 that the United States will host the first Women’s Club World Cup from 5 to 30 January 2028. The decision gives the 19-club competition its host country, although FIFA has yet to name the cities where matches will be played.

The confirmation follows an earlier report that the United States was lined up to host the tournament. Clubs from all six continental confederations are due to take part, making the event a meeting of leading women’s teams from across the world.

Which clubs have qualified for the 2028 tournament?

The planned allocation gives Europe six places. Asia, Africa, North and Central America and the Caribbean, and South America each receive three; Oceania receives one. That distribution sets out how the 19 places are divided among FIFA’s six confederations, while the final lineup remains incomplete.

Why FIFA chose the United States

FIFA chief women’s football officer Sarai Bareman said the governing body assessed potential hosts and chose the United States for its record of staging FIFA tournaments, sporting infrastructure and interest in women’s football. The country co-hosted the men’s World Cup in 2026 and staged the men’s Club World Cup in 2025.

The women’s competition was originally planned for 2026. AFP reported that FIFA moved its inaugural edition back two years to place it after the 2027 Women’s World Cup and before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. FIFA envisages holding the club tournament every four years.

January dates and domestic leagues

The January schedule has raised concerns about domestic fixtures. BBC Sport reported that the Women’s Super League had earlier described the prospect of staging the competition during its season as potentially ‘catastrophic’. Its effect on league schedules will depend on the clubs involved and the fixtures set for that period.