U.S. to host inaugural Women's Club World Cup in '28

The United States will host the inaugural Women's Club World Cup in 2028, FIFA announced on Thursday.

The tournament, to be held every four years, will feature 19 of the best women's club soccer teams from all six confederations (AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA).

The competition will run from Jan. 5-30, 2028, with the host cities yet to be determined. Previous reports said Los Angeles and San Diego were being considered, per ESPN.

FIFA chief women's football officer Sarai Bareman said the U.S. was selected based on the recent success of the 2025 Men's Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup.

"We undertook a detailed assessment to identify the most suitable host for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Women's Club World Cup," Bareman said. "Ultimately, the United States' recent excellence in staging top FIFA tournaments, combined with the significant interest in women's football there plus its elite sporting infrastructure, made the country the standout option."

Seven teams have already qualified for the 2028 Women's Club World Cup: Arsenal (England), Club America (Mexico), Barcelona (Spain), Gotham FC (United States), Naegohyang Women's FC (North Korea), SC Corinthians (Brazil) and Wuhan Jiangda WFC (China).

"These seven clubs, and a dozen more, will come together to show the strength and depth of women's club football to a global audience," Bareman said. "They will have the opportunity to tell their story, expand their fan base and represent their club on the world stage. They have thoroughly earned this opportunity to be part of history in the United States."

The AFC, CAF, Concacaf and CONMEBOL will each of three teams in the field, while the OFC will have one and UEFA will have six.

Also on Thursday, FIFA's Bureau of Council approved the distribution of $2.5 million in preparation money to each participating member association for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

That is the same amount FIFA distributed for the men's World Cup played this summer in North America, and an increase from $960,000 ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

--Field Level Media