Qatar is negotiating with FIFA to host the first Women’s Club World Cup in 2028.

Qatar is taking decisive steps to become the epicenter of women’s football! In discussions with FIFA, the Gulf country has expressed interest in hosting the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup, scheduled for January 2028. This event promises not only to elevate the profile of women’s football but also to cause a significant disruption to domestic seasons in 2027-28, particularly in Europe.

FIFA recently announced that the inaugural women’s club competition will take place from January 5 to 30, 2028, but has yet to reveal the exact location or whether there will be a formal bidding process. Qatar’s expression of interest is not new, as the country has already made a name for itself in hosting major sporting events since winning the rights to host the men’s World Cup in 2022. Since then, relations between Qatar and FIFA have been very close, with events like the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which took place in Al-Rayyan, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo in the final.

It is important to remember that Qatar had previously shown interest in organizing the men’s Club World Cup in 2029, but FIFA decided that this competition would take place in the summer of the northern hemisphere, thus delaying Qatar’s plans. Considering the mild climate and the infrastructure already in place, Qatar is a logical choice to host the 2028 event.

However, the proposal to hold the first Women’s Club World Cup in Qatar does not come without controversy. The country faces significant criticism due to its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and the lack of tradition in women’s football. The Qatar women’s national football team was formed in 2009, but after a promising start, it has not played an official match in 12 years and lacks FIFA ranking.

In addition to Qatar, Saudi Arabia also emerges as a viable option, although it is committed to hosting the Spanish Supercup in January 2028. So far, FIFA has not received formal bids and has chosen not to comment on the bidding process.

The timing of this new competition highlights the growing issue of fixture congestion in women’s football. Although there is no conflict with the Champions League, many European domestic leagues may be significantly affected, forcing them to consider a longer winter break. Leagues in Australia, Mexico, and Japan are also among the competitions likely to feel the impact.

The Women’s Club World Cup will feature 16 teams, including at least five from Europe, as well as two from each of the confederations of Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. One club from each of these five confederations, along with a representative from Oceania, will compete in a qualifying tournament to determine the last three participants. Although FIFA has yet to define the entry criteria, Arsenal, as the winner of last season’s Champions League, is one of the teams expected to be present. This tournament will be held every four years, promising to be a milestone in the history of women’s football.