Arsenal Women claimed victory in the first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. They defeated Brazilian side Corinthians 3-2 after extra time at the Emirates Stadium in London.
This win marked their second major trophy in under a year, following their UEFA Women’s Champions League success in May 2025.
The Tournament Structure
FIFA organized the inaugural event with six teams from each confederation. Arsenal represented UEFA as Champions League winners. Corinthians came from CONMEBOL after their Copa Libertadores triumph. Other participants included Gotham FC from CONCACAF, AS FAR from CAF, Wuhan Jiangda from AFC, and Auckland United from OFC.
The competition started with preliminary rounds. Wuhan Jiangda beat Auckland United 1-0 in round one. Then, AS FAR defeated Wuhan 2-1 in round two.
Path to the Final
Arsenal dominated their semi-final against AS FAR. They won 6-0 at Brentford Stadium. Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey, Olivia Smith, and Alessia Russo with two goals scored for the Gunners.
Meanwhile Corinthians advanced by beating Gotham FC 1-0 in their semi-final. Gabi Zanotti netted the winner. Gotham later secured third place with a 4-0 victory over AS FAR.
Key Moments in the Final
Rain fell heavily during the final. Arsenal struck first in the 15th minute. Olivia Smith headed in after Leticia parried Stina Blackstenius’s shot. However Corinthians equalized before halftime. Gabi Zanotti headed Andressa’s corner past Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 58th minute. Lotte Wubben-Moy headed Emily Fox’s cross into the net. Moreover drama unfolded in added time. Katie McCabe fouled Gisela Robledo, and a video review awarded a penalty. Vic Albuquerque converted it to force extra time.
IStandout Performances
Frida Maanum shone in extra time. She dispossessed Duda Sampaio and assisted Caitlin Foord, who scored the winner in the 104th minute.
Additionally Olivia Smith and Lotte Wubben-Moy delivered crucial goals. Caitlin Foord’s strike sealed the deal. A late collision involved Anneke Borbe, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and a Corinthians player. Borbe received treatment and left on a stretcher.
Historic Achievement
Arsenal lifted the trophy in front of home fans. They earned $2.3 million in prize money. This victory under manager Renee Slegers added to their legacy as England’s most decorated women’s club.
In conclusion, the win crowned Arsenal as the world’s best women’s club team in this new FIFA competition.
