USA set to host potentially 'catastrophic' soccer event for the first time

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Martin Macdonald | Writer

Fresh off the huge financial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States has been confirmed as the host for another prestigious soccer tournament.

The FIFA Club World Cup brings together top clubs from around the world to compete to be crowned world champions. Teams qualify through their performances in continental competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League in Europe.

In 2025, the tournament expanded to 32 teams and became a competition that will be held every four years, with the United States hosting the first edition under the new format.

Now, a Women's Club World Cup has been confirmed and, just like the expanded men's edition in 2025, the USA will play as host again.

Seven clubs have been confirmed for the tournament, which is set to take place in January of 2028, with a further 19 to be confirmed over the course of the next year.

"Ultimately, the United States' recent excellence in staging top FIFA tournaments, combined with the significant interest in women's football there plus its elite sporting infrastructure, made the country the standout option," said FIFA's chief women's football officer Sarai Bareman.

"These seven clubs, and a dozen more, will come together to show the strength and depth of women's club football to a global audience.

"They will have the opportunity to tell their story, expand their fanbase and represent their club on the world stage. They have thoroughly earned this opportunity to be part of history in the United States."

Arsenal, Barcelona, Gotham, Club America, Corinthians, Naegohyang and Wuhan Jiangda have all booked their places at the tournament so far.

Previous concerns were raised about the scheduling of the Women's Club World Cup, which the Women's Super League called potentially "catastrophic".

It will take place from 5 to 30 January in 2028, right in the middle of the 2027-28 WSL season as well as other major European leagues.

"This is a scheduling issue rather than a strategic one. The timing is what causes us real concerns," a WSL spokesperson said.

"We are not saying we do not want FIFA to bring in new competitions. We are fully on board with a strategy to help the women's game grow globally.

"At best it will cause us real scheduling issues; at worst it is going to be catastrophic for the game in this country, our commercial programme and more importantly the welfare of our players."

It is the second new mid-season women's competition to be introduced by FIFA in recent year follwoing he inaugural Champions Cup which took place in February and was won by Arsenal.

The confirmation that the USA will play host to another FIFA tournament further enhances the relationship between United States President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA President is under scrutiny for his relationship with Trump as football's governing body is supposed to remain politically neutral.

Infantino gave Trump the FIFA Peace Prize and also bowed to a request from the US President to overturn USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's suspension during the 2026 World Cup.