In what was originally seen as a significant step forward for the global promotion of women’s football, Fifa President Gianni Infantino announced the first one Women’s Club World Cupset to be held in January-February 2026. But with less than a year left before the scheduled kickoff, FIFA is reportedly preparing to make a controversial decision on the competition.
During his meeting in May 2024 in Bangkok, The FIFA Council confirmed plans for a 16-team tournament to be held every four yearswhich will take place during the European domestic season, between women’s Champions League group steps and knockout rounds. Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament at that time:
“So far we have no global club competition for women. Yet we ask (Mr) Clubs to form women’s clubs all over the world … For this reason, (we want) Having a 16-team FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in January/February 2026“Pronounced Infantino. But without host nation announced and critical logistical details that are still unresolved, FIFA is now expected to delay the tournament.
According to AthleticThe FIFA is expected to postpone next year’s World Club World Cup due to the lack of a confirmed host nation, tournament format and qualification criteria. Almost ten months after the announcement, the tournament remains without a clear structure, which has also prevented the ensuring of commercial and broadcasting agreements.
While FIFA has not yet released an official statement, reports suggest that The decision is expected to be formalized during the next FIFA council meeting on Wednesday.
What is next for the World Club World Cup?
With the protected 16-team format, FIFA considers reportedly a Smaller Scale Women’s Club VM 2025, with four to six teams. This would reflect Men’s intercontinental cup Model, including clubs from various federations all over the world.
As for the original 16-team tournament, FIFA is expected to delay the launch by at least 12 months. Officials believe that the launch of the event and holding a smaller competition in the meantime will create the necessary time and space for stakeholders to properly structure and commercialize the tournament before its full -scale debut.
