FIFA’s new 16-team Women’s Club World Cup may face a delay beyond its previously proposed 2026 launch. While the tournament has strong backing within FIFA and across confederations, discussions are ongoing about potentially pushing the inaugural event back by a couple of years to allow for more thorough preparation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the start date, support for the competition remains strong. FIFA’s leadership continues to emphasize the importance of a global women’s club tournament to elevate the sport and provide players with opportunities to compete on the international stage. A final decision on the tournament’s timeline has yet to be made, but the matter is set to be discussed at an upcoming FIFA Council meeting.
One possible approach being considered is the introduction of a four-team mini-tournament in 2026. This would serve as an initial step before expanding to the full 16-team format, giving organizers and stakeholders more time to prepare for the larger competition.
Plans for the Women’s Club World Cup were first announced in 2021. The tournament was officially included in the updated women’s football calendar, with an initial target date of January-February 2026. The concept aligns with FIFA’s broader goal of strengthening women’s football globally and creating a high-profile club competition similar to the men’s Club World Cup.
The men’s Club World Cup, which was first held in 2000, has evolved over the years, with European clubs dominating recent editions. This summer, the men’s tournament expands into a 32-team format in the United States. However, the competitive balance in the women’s version is expected to be more evenly spread, as strong leagues exist not only in Europe but also in the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Australia.
The introduction of a Women’s Club World Cup is seen as a crucial step in growing the game at the club level and giving teams from various continents the opportunity to compete on a global platform. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the commitment to making the tournament a reality remains firm.
