The first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ kicks off on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium in China.
Hosts Wuhan Jiangda WFC, winners of the AFC Women’s Champions League, will face Auckland United FC from New Zealand, the OFC Women’s Champions League champions, in the opening match.
Approved by FIFA in April 2024, the tournament brings together six continental champions in a global battle for the title.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström called it “a new era for international women’s club football” and a chance to “elevate the women’s game and inspire generations.”
The winner between Wuhan Jiangda and Auckland United will advance to Round 2 in December, where they will face Africa’s champions.
Gaborone United, USFAS Bamako, and ASEC Mimosas have already qualified, with other regional tournaments still underway.
The competition will conclude with a centralized final phase from January 28 to February 1, 2026, featuring semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the final.
The Round 2 winner will meet Arsenal WFC, UEFA’s champions, while Gotham FC from the U.S., the Concacaf champions, will face the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina winners.
This tournament marks a historic milestone for women’s football, giving top clubs from all continents a regular chance to compete for global glory.
Teams that have qualified:
• Gaborone United – COSAFA
• USFAS Bamako – WAFU A
• ASEC Mimosas – WAFU B
CECAFA and UNAF are underway with Kampala Queens in the CECAFA Women’s Zonal Qualifiers group stages.taking place in Kenya.
