diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/defaults/main.yml
index 54097ad80..68634746f 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/defaults/main.yml
@@ -37,6 +37,10 @@ matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_homeserver_token: ''
 
 matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_appservice_bot_username: whatsappbot
 
+# Whether or not created rooms should have federation enabled.
+# If false, created portal rooms will never be federated.
+matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_federate_rooms: true
+
 # Database-related configuration fields.
 #
 # To use SQLite, stick to these defaults.
diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/templates/config.yaml.j2 b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/templates/config.yaml.j2
index 394f16a60..0e3b855cb 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/templates/config.yaml.j2
+++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-whatsapp/templates/config.yaml.j2
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ bridge:
     allow_user_invite: false
     # Whether or not created rooms should have federation enabled.
     # If false, created portal rooms will never be federated.
-    federate_rooms: true
+    federate_rooms: {{ matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_federate_rooms|to_json }}
 
     # The prefix for commands. Only required in non-management rooms.
     command_prefix: "!wa"