Record-Breaking Prize Money Announced for Inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
FIFA on Friday confirmed that the winners of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will receive an unprecedented USD 2.3 million, the highest single payout ever awarded in women’s club football.
The runners-up will earn USD 1 million, while semi-finalists will each receive USD 200,000. Clubs eliminated in the opening rounds, Auckland United FC of New Zealand and Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR, will be awarded USD 100,000 apiece.
In total, close to USD 4 million will be distributed among the six participating clubs.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the prize structure as a landmark moment for the women’s game.
‘This is a clear statement of belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise. Our focus is clear: to continue investing in, growing and elevating women’s club football at every level, ensuring that opportunity, visibility and value keep pace with the exceptional performances seen on the pitch.’
The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 forms part of FIFA’s broader strategy to strengthen women’s club football worldwide. Following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, USD 11.3 million was distributed to 1,041 clubs through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.
These efforts are complemented by reforms to the Women’s International Match Calendar and the introduction of new elite competitions, including the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which will debut in 2028 with groundbreaking measures to support sustainability and excellence.
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will conclude in London, with semi-finals scheduled at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Gotham FC (United States) will face SC Corinthians (Brazil) in the opening semi-final, followed by Arsenal Women FC (England) against ASFAR (Morocco).
The decisive matches will take place at Arsenal Stadium on Sunday, 1 February, beginning with the third-place play-off before the final crowns the first-ever women’s intercontinental club champions.
