Qatar emerges as frontrunner for women’s club world debut
Qatar is in advanced talks with FIFA to host the first Women’s Club World Cup in January 2028, as the governing body pushes ahead with plans to launch a new global tournament for elite women’s teams. The discussions, confirmed on January 12, centre on delivering a compact, single-host event to ensure a smooth debut.
FIFA is understood to favour Qatar’s proven infrastructure and recent experience of staging major competitions, with the inaugural edition expected to feature about 16 clubs from across the continents. “The priority is a controlled start that sets the right standard,” a source familiar with the talks said.
Supporters believe the tournament could be a landmark moment for the women’s game. “A Club World Cup would raise visibility and investment worldwide,” a senior football administrator noted. Others remain cautious, with one European club figure warning: “Growth must be balanced with player welfare and the crowded calendar.”
No host has been confirmed yet, but FIFA is expected to clarify plans later this year as momentum builds toward a historic first edition.