FIFA to Postpone Women’s Club World Cup Until 2027 Amid Readiness Concerns
FIFA is set to delay the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup until 2027, following concerns from stakeholders in women’s football that more time is needed to ensure the tournament’s success.
The global governing body had initially planned to host the 16-team tournament in January and February 2026. However, with less than a year before the scheduled event, several key aspects remain unresolved, including the host, format, qualification criteria, and broadcast and commercial agreements.
Clubs, confederations, leagues, and the players’ union have collectively urged FIFA to postpone the tournament’s launch, citing the need for additional time to prepare.
Instead, FIFA plans to proceed with a smaller version of the Women’s Club World Cup, featuring four to six teams, in 2026. This tournament would serve as a precursor to the larger 16-team competition, which will be held every four years.
The decision to delay the launch of the Women’s Club World Cup is expected to be officially confirmed at the next FIFA Council meeting on Wednesday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino originally proposed the tournament in May 2023, emphasizing it as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on the global stage and develop football across all continents.
However, it now appears that Infantino and other stakeholders have opted for a more cautious approach, beginning with a smaller tournament before expanding to the full 16-team competition in the future.
