FIFA to Delay Women’s Club World Cup Until 2027 Due to Readiness Concerns
FIFA has announced that it will postpone the first-ever Women’s Club World Cup until 2027. This decision comes after concerns from key figures in the women’s football community, who feel that more time is needed to ensure the tournament’s success.
Originally, FIFA had planned to hold the 16-team competition in January and February 2026. However, with less than a year to go, many important details are still unresolved, including the host country, tournament format, qualification criteria, and broadcast and commercial agreements.
Clubs, football federations, leagues, and the players’ union have all urged FIFA to delay the event. They have stressed the need for additional time to properly organise the tournament.
Instead, FIFA will host a smaller version of the Women’s Club World Cup in 2026, featuring four to six teams. This tournament will act as a warm-up for the full 16-team competition, which will eventually take place every four years.
The decision to postpone the launch of the Women’s Club World Cup is expected to be confirmed at the next FIFA Council meeting on Wednesday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino initially proposed the tournament in May 2023, aiming to give female players a chance to showcase their talents on the global stage and help the women’s game grow worldwide. However, it now seems that Infantino and other stakeholders have opted for a more careful approach, starting with a smaller event before expanding to the full 16-team competition in the future.
