Women’s football is continuing to expand on the global stage, with FIFA making two significant decisions that could shape the future of the professional game.

The governing body has outlined plans to strengthen its flagship international competitions, with leading clubs set to receive a new platform to compete worldwide and national teams in line for increased financial support.

The announcements mark another important development in FIFA’s long-term plans for the women’s game, although questions remain over how far financial equality with the men’s competitions will ultimately go.

FIFA confirm the United States as host of the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup

FIFA has confirmed that the United States will host the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup from January 5 to 30, 2028, bringing 19 clubs from across the world together for the first edition of the quadrennial competition.

The decision was announced by FIFA’s Bureau of the Council on October 22, with the United States selected following an assessment of its sporting infrastructure, experience of hosting major tournaments and interest in women’s football.

The tournament is intended to provide the leading women’s clubs with a global stage, creating opportunities to reach new audiences and increase the international profile of the club game.

Seven teams have already secured qualification through their continental performances between 2024 and 2027. They are Arsenal, Barcelona, Club America Femenil, Gotham FC, Naegohyang Women’s FC, Corinthians and Wuhan Jiangda.

The remaining 12 places will be allocated through the tournament’s qualification framework, which rewards sporting performance across the six confederations.

Europe will have six representatives, while the Asian Football Confederation, Confederation of African Football, Concacaf and South American Football Confederation will each receive three places. Oceania will have one representative.

FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman said the United States stood out because of its recent experience hosting major FIFA tournaments, its established sporting infrastructure and the popularity of women’s football in the country.

The announcement follows the United States hosting the expanded men’s Club World Cup in 2025 and playing a major role in the 2026 men’s World Cup.

Bareman said FIFA wanted the inaugural competition to establish a benchmark for the future of women’s club football, with qualified teams and local partners helping to showcase the sport to a global audience.

Arsenal’s qualification also offers the English club an opportunity to compete for a new global title, alongside some of the strongest teams from other continents.

FIFA approve increased funding for the 2027 Women’s World Cup

Alongside the club competition announcement, FIFA has approved an enhanced financial distribution model for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with players, national associations and clubs set to benefit.

Participating member associations will receive $2.5 million in preparation funding each, with the money due to be made available before December 2026. This brings the preparation allocation in line with that provided for participating associations at the 2026 men’s World Cup.

FIFA has also confirmed that players at the 2027 women’s tournament will receive the same service levels as their male counterparts did in 2026.

In addition, if the tournament generates a financial surplus, the proceeds will be distributed among the participating member associations, with a specific portion reserved for players.

The approved principles also include improvements to minimum guaranteed player payments, the FIFA Club Benefits Programme and distributions to national teams involved in the qualification pathway.

However, FIFA has not yet published all the financial details. Further information is due to be discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting in December 2026.

The measures represent a further step towards improving the financial rewards available in women’s football, although matching preparation funding does not mean that overall World Cup prize money has reached parity with the men’s competition.

With the 2027 tournament set to be the first Women’s World Cup held in South America, the revised model reflects FIFA’s stated ambition to support the continued growth and professionalisation of the women’s game.

The challenge now will be to ensure that the increased investment translates into lasting benefits for players, clubs and national associations beyond the two major tournaments.