Arsenal and Corinthians Set for Inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Final

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium in London, featuring Arsenal, the UEFA Women’s Champions League winners, against Brazil's Corinthians, the Copa Libertadores Femenina champions. This match represents a significant moment in women's football, showcasing the champions from different continents and offering a prize of $2.3 million to the winner.

Arsenal secured their place in the final by decisively defeating Moroccan club AS FAR 6-0 in the semifinals. The Gunners dominated the match, with early goals from Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum, followed by a penalty from Mariona Caldentey and a late brace from Alessia Russo. Arsenal's performance highlighted their depth and tactical prowess, as they controlled 65% of possession and outshot AS FAR 17-3.

Champions Cup: Gotham upset, Arsenal showcase women's soccer's inequity

Corinthians advanced to the final after a narrow 1-0 victory over Gotham FC, with Gabi Zanotti scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Gotham was unable to convert their opportunities into goals, a sentiment echoed by their coach, Juan Carlos Amorós, who noted, “We dominated the game on every aspect apart from scoring goals.”

This final is not just about the trophy; it symbolizes the growing global landscape of women's football. Arsenal's coach, Renée Slegers, emphasized the importance of the competition in showcasing the development of women's football worldwide, stating, “Football is growing everywhere around the world. AS FAR is a good example of that.” The match will also serve as a platform for both teams to demonstrate their capabilities on an international stage.

Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, there are concerns regarding its timing and fairness. Gotham FC's goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, expressed frustration over the competition's scheduling, which left her team unprepared compared to Arsenal, who are in the midst of their season. This has raised questions about the integrity of the tournament and whether it adequately supports all participating teams.

Clubs concerned by “significant advantage” held by Arsenal at Women’s Champions Cup | OneFootball

Renée Slegers remarked on the significance of the final, saying, “We’re very excited about the final, we look forward to it and it’s a special moment for us, for the players, for the club.” Meanwhile, Amorós acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “We know how great Arsenal is in Europe, and we are doing our best to be ready to make another great game.”

Following the final, both teams will look to build on their performances as they prepare for their respective domestic leagues. Arsenal aims to continue their strong form in the Women's Super League, while Corinthians will seek to maintain their dominance in Brazilian football.

Champions Cup: Gotham upset, Arsenal showcase women's soccer's inequity

• “Football is growing everywhere around the world.” — Renée Slegers, Arsenal Coach

• “The team did really well in every aspect apart from scoring goals.” — Juan Carlos Amorós, Gotham FC Coach

• “We’re very excited about the final, we look forward to it and it’s a special moment for us, for the players, for the club,” — Renée Slegers, Arsenal Coach

This final not only represents a clash of two footballing cultures but also serves as a testament to the progress and potential of women's football globally.