FIFA has confirmed the qualification route for the first-ever Women’s Champions Cup, which will be staged from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
The new competition will bring together champions from six continents in what world football’s governing body says will become a flagship event for the women’s game.
Who is already through?
Four teams are confirmed for the tournament:
Arsenal, winners of the UEFA Women’s Champions League
Gotham FC, champions of the Concacaf W Champions Cup
Auckland United, holders of the OFC Women’s Champions League
Wuhan Jiangda, crowned in the AFC Women’s Champions League
What is still to play for?
South America’s representative will come from the Copa Libertadores Femenina in October, while Africa’s place will be settled at the CAF Women’s Champions League in November.
Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens, who reclaimed the NWFL Premiership last season, are among the contenders.
Bayelsa Queens celebrating this 2025 NWFL title in Ikenne, Ogun State. Photo Credit: NWFL Media.
If they win the continental title, they would advance to a December knockout tie against either Auckland United or Wuhan Jiangda for a semi-final spot.
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The road to the finals begins in October 2025 with Round One, continues in December with Round Two, and concludes with the final phase in early 2026.
Arsenal ladies celebrating their UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy.Photo Credit: Getty Images
While the first two rounds will be held at the home sides of the AFC and CAF champions, from the semi-finals onwards, all four remaining teams will compete for the silverware in a neutral country predetermined by FIFA.
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It will take place in a cycle of three years in every four, with the exception of the year in which another new tournament – the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup – is held. That will first be held in 2028, and we will be one of 19 clubs battling for that prize.
