US to Host Inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2028
- The United States will host the inaugural FIFA Women's Club World Cup in January 2028, adding another marquee tournament to a domestic soccer calendar already stacked with international...
- The selection of the United States as the host nation builds on the country's recent experience staging major global events, including co-hosting the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup...
- Bareman added that the goal is to establish a high standard for global women's club soccer by leveraging the country's passionate fan ecosystem, government backing, host cities, and...
The United States will host the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in January 2028, adding another marquee tournament to a domestic soccer calendar already stacked with international events, cbssports.com reported. The flagship quadrennial tournament is scheduled to run from Jan. 5 to Jan. 30, 2028, bringing 19 top-tier clubs from six different confederations to compete on American soil.
United States Selected for Inaugural Tournament Following Detailed Assessment
The selection of the United States as the host nation builds on the country’s recent experience staging major global events, including co-hosting the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman explained that the governing body conducted a comprehensive evaluation before awarding the tournament to the U.S.
Every team to have qualified for the 2028 FIFA Women's Club World Cup so far! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rMvaamtqz9
Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer
Bareman added that the goal is to establish a high standard for global women’s club soccer by leveraging the country’s passionate fan ecosystem, government backing, host cities, and media partners. The country already supports two first-division professional women’s leagues in the NWSL and the Gainbridge Super League.
Seven Clubs Already Qualified for the 2028 Field
Seven teams have already secured their places in the 19-team tournament field, establishing a competitive baseline that blends traditional European powerhouses with continental champions from around the globe. The qualified sides include Arsenal from England, FC Barcelona from Spain, Club América from Mexico, Gotham FC from the United States, SC Corinthians from Brazil, Wuhan Jiangda WFC from China PR, and Naegohyang Women’s FC from DPR Korea.
The remaining slots will be distributed across the six confederations, with UEFA receiving six spots, while AFC, CAF, Concacaf, and CONMEBOL will each send three clubs. OFC will be represented by one club. FIFA will prioritize continental champions from the 2024 to 2027 seasons, utilizing club ranking methodologies based on sporting merit in cooperation with the respective confederations.
Broader International Calendar Leading Up to 2031
The 2028 tournament fits into a wider schedule of international soccer competitions hosted in the United States over the next several years. The country previously hosted the men’s Club World Cup in 2025 and will host the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in July 2028. Looking further ahead, the U.S. Soccer Federation has launched an uncontested joint bid alongside Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
That 2031 tournament is slated to feature an expanded 48-team format, with host cities recently expanding to include Chicago and Portland. An official vote by the FIFA Congress regarding the 2031 tournament is expected by Nov. 23, 2028, in Zurich.
Preparations Underway for 2027 Champions Cup and Brazil World Cup
Before the Club World Cup kicks off in January 2028, the soccer calendar features the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. FIFA has adjusted the semifinal schedule for that event, setting matches to take place on consecutive days at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, the home of Inter Miami CF. Club America will face the winner of an AFC, CAF, or OFC round-two tie on Jan. 26, 2027, while FC Barcelona will play the CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina winner on Jan. 27, 2027. The third-place match and final will follow as a double-header on Jan. 31, 2027.
Additionally, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil received a financial increase following the recent FIFA council meeting. The first Women’s World Cup held in South America will feature increased financial distribution for players, clubs, and member associations, including preparation money set at $2.5 million to match the 2026 men’s tournament—representing a $1 million increase over the 2023 Women’s World Cup.