United States to host first FIFA Women's Club World Cup in 2028

The United States will host the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup from 5 to 30 January 2028, following a decision by FIFA.

The selection follows a series of major FIFA events in the country, including the 2026 World Cup and the expanded Men’s Club World Cup in 2025. The US is also expected to receive formal approval next month to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

FIFA based its decision on the country’s sporting infrastructure and interest in women’s football. Although reports have mentioned Los Angeles and San Diego as potential host cities, a FIFA spokesperson declined to confirm specific locations.

The 19-team competition will allocate six places to UEFA, while the AFC, CAF, Concacaf and CONMEBOL will each receive three. The OFC will have one place.

Seven clubs have already qualified: Barcelona, Arsenal, SC Corinthians, Gotham FC, Club América, Wuhan Jiangda WFC and Naegohyang Women’s FC.

For UEFA, additional places will be allocated according to club rankings if a team wins multiple editions of the Champions League between 2024 and 2027. Club rankings will also determine the qualifying confederation champions from other regions.

In a separate financial move, FIFA’s Bureau of the Council has approved $2.5m in preparation funding for each participating member association at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The amount matches the funding granted for the 2026 Men’s World Cup and represents an increase from the $960,000 provided per team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

FIFA said players at the 2027 tournament will receive service levels equal to those provided to their male counterparts in 2026, with any surplus money ring-fenced for players.