ZURICH (AP) — The United States will host the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, soccer's governing body said Thursday. FIFA said the tournament featuring 19 of the best women's clubs from around the world will take place Jan.

Russia accepted FIFA's invitation to compete in the tournament in Baku, though Ukraine declined to participate due to Russia’s involvement.

FIFA has announced that the United States will serve as host of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in January 2028.

While it has been reluctant to dive headfirst into live sport, its gravitational pull and ability to deliver quick wins may prove irresistible. And tournaments, rather than annual competitions, fit the bill much better for Netflix, which wants brief, attention-grabbing tent-pole moments, not weekly appointment viewing.

Eight-a-side games in event held in Baku. But the inclusion of Russia has caused controversy. We explain the tournament.

FIFA insists it intends to reply to questions submitted by UEFA related to Gianni Infantino's presidency, but has not committed to doing so before the deadline for candidates to be declared for next year's FIFA presidential election.

FIFA opened the bidding process for US media rights to the 2030 World Cup on Thursday along with an option to secure the 2034 edition, adding that it has yet to decide whether to keep the controversial hydration breaks introduced this year that opened up additional advertising windows for broadcasters.

FIFA on Thursday effectively kicked off the latest round of skirmishes between the legacy U.S. TV networks and their streaming rivals, as global soccer's governing body put the media rights to the 2030 World Cup on the block.

Preparation money for the 2027 Women’s World Cup will match the men’s for the 2026 World Cup and players will be provided with improved flights and individual hotel rooms

FIFA president ​Gianni Infantino laughed off questions about whether he had considered resigning in the wake of the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, pointing to overwhelming support from member associations around the globe.