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WSL Challenges FIFA’s January 2028 Women’s Club World Cup Dates as League Cup Is Reshaped

League officials warn the midseason event would disrupt multiple rounds, jeopardizing player welfare.

Overview

  • FIFA has set January 5–30, 2028 for the inaugural 16‑team Women’s Club World Cup, placing it in the middle of the WSL season.
  • The WSL says the window would force at least five matchweeks to move, likely into midweek slots, and has formally written to FIFA after what it calls inadequate consultation.
  • Talks between WSL leaders and FIFA are planned around next week’s London Champions Cup as the league pushes for a summer staging in a fallow year.
  • FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis has defended the timing and pointed to a comprehensive calendar review in 2030, with no change to the 2028 dates announced.
  • To manage fixture congestion, the Women’s League Cup will adopt a Swiss format from 2026–27 and exclude clubs qualified for Europe, subject to FA approval.