Women’s Club World Cup Postponed, Champions Cup To Debut First - FIFA

Women’s Club World Cup Postponed, Champions Cup To Debut First - FIFA 

By Niyi Busari 

Women’s football has received another major boost as FIFA confirmed the launch of a new global competition, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, scheduled to kick off in 2026, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Meanwhile, the world football governing body has postponed the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup to 2028.

The newly announced Champions Cup will serve as a stand-alone global tournament for elite women’s clubs while also acting as the qualification pathway to the Club World Cup. FIFA says the competition will bring together the best sides from across continents, offering a showcase event for fans and a testing ground for emerging clubs outside Europe.

“This is a historic milestone that will elevate the women’s game and give clubs and players the global recognition they deserve,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

Initially planned for 2026, the Women’s Club World Cup has been pushed back by two years to give federations and leagues time to improve structures, strengthen domestic competitions, and ensure greater competitive balance worldwide. The delay, FIFA explained, will allow clubs and players to be better prepared for a tournament of that scale.

For Africa and South America in particular, the Champions Cup offers a breakthrough opportunity. Clubs such as Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Morocco’s ASFAR, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns — already competitive in the CAF Women’s Champions League — could now gain invaluable international exposure against established giants from Europe and beyond.

The tournament also promises commercial opportunities, including increased broadcasting, sponsorship, and media coverage, helping to close the financial gap with the men’s game. On the pitch, it is expected to raise the standard of competition by giving players the chance to test themselves against the very best from around the world.

The announcement comes on the back of record-breaking momentum for the women’s game. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand set new attendance and broadcast benchmarks, while domestic leagues in England, Spain, the United States, and Mexico continue to expand their reach and fan bases.

With the introduction of the Champions Cup and the long-awaited Club World Cup, FIFA has signaled a strong commitment to cementing women’s football as a global sporting force.