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