Qatar is in advanced discussions with FIFA to host the first-ever Women's Club World Cup in January 2028, a move that would bring the prestigious new tournament to the Gulf state but is expected to cause significant disruption to domestic football seasons worldwide.
Qatar's Bid and FIFA's New Tournament
FIFA confirmed last month that its groundbreaking new competition for women's club teams is scheduled to run from 5 to 30 January 2028. While the global governing body has not yet announced a host or detailed a formal bidding process, Qatar has expressed a firm interest in staging the event.
This follows Qatar's successful hosting of the men's 2022 World Cup finals, after which it has maintained a close relationship with FIFA. The country recently hosted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Al-Rayyan, where Paris Saint-Germain triumphed, and will stage the men's Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in Doha this March.
Controversy and Logistical Challenges
Awarding the tournament to Qatar is likely to spark controversy due to the nation's record on LGBTQ+ rights and its underdeveloped women's football infrastructure. The Qatar women's national team was formed in 2009 but has not played an official match for 12 years and consequently holds no FIFA ranking.
However, Qatar offers significant practical advantages, including state-of-the-art stadiums built for the 2022 World Cup and a reliably warm winter climate, making the Gulf region a probable destination for a January event.
Global Fixture Congestion and Tournament Format
The proposed dates in January 2028 highlight the growing issue of fixture congestion in the women's game. The tournament will clash with the schedules of many major domestic leagues.
European leagues, along with established competitions in Australia, Mexico, and Japan, may be forced to introduce extended winter breaks to accommodate the new FIFA competition.
The inaugural Women's Club World Cup will feature 16 teams. The current allocation includes at least five clubs from Europe and two each from Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. A qualifying tournament involving one club from each of those five confederations and one from Oceania will decide the final three entrants.
While FIFA is yet to finalise the exact entry criteria, Arsenal, as the reigning UEFA Women's Champions League winners, anticipate their involvement. The competition is planned to be held every four years.
