FIFA is in advanced discussions to stage the inaugural women's Club World Cup in the United States in January 2028. Los Angeles and San Diego are among the favored host cities for the 19-team tournament, which is seen as a dry run for the 2031 Women's World Cup. The scheduling, however, raises concerns about player workload.
The establishment of a women's Club World Cup and its potential US staging highlights FIFA's investment in the women's game, but the tournament's timing could disrupt domestic leagues and strain top players, impacting club and international calendars.
FIFA is in advanced discussions to stage the inaugural women's Club World Cup in the United States in January 2028, according to reports. Los Angeles and San Diego are among the favored host cities for the 19-team tournament. This would mark the third FIFA World Cup event hosted by the US during a potential second term for Donald Trump.
The tournament's scheduling, set to occur between the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, has raised concerns among European clubs. Some have described the mid-season disruption as potentially 'catastrophic' for domestic leagues and are pushing for a rule limiting players to one international tournament per year. Arsenal, as a recent Champions League winner, would be expected to participate.
FIFA is reportedly using the women's Club World Cup as a test event for the 2031 Women's World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The organization is keen to assess stadium venues, pricing, and ticket demand before the larger 48-team World Cup. The leadership crisis surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino has contributed to delays in confirming hosting decisions for various tournaments.
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