Full Breakdown
Club América Femenil Wins First International Title, Defeating Washington Spirit 5-3 in CONCACAF W Champions Cup Final
5/24/2026, 12:20:02 PM
Club América Secures First International Trophy in W Champions Cup Final
On Saturday night in Pachuca, Mexico, Club América Femenil captured the 2025-26 CONCACAF W Champions Cup by beating the Washington Spirit 5-3. América built an early two-goal lead, saw the Spirit briefly surge to a 3-2 advantage, and then responded with three unanswered goals—including a stoppage-time strike by captain Scarlett Camberos—to clinch the title.
Road to the Final
América earned its final berth after a 4-1 semifinal triumph over reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC, a match highlighted by Camberos’ hat-trick and three assists from Brazilian forward Geyse. The Spirit advanced by defeating Pachuca Femenil 1-0, with Claudia Martínez scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
- Scarlett Camberos – América captain, three goals, two assists, player of the tournament.
- Irene Guerrero – Substitute, scored the go-ahead goal in the 79th minute.
- Geyse – Brazilian forward, two goals, including the equalizer after a goalkeeper error.
- Aylín Aviléz – Scored América’s second goal.
- Sofia Cantore – Spirit forward, long-range goal to cut the deficit.
- Rosemonde Kouassi – Spirit forward, two goals, tournament Golden Boot with six goals.
- Sandy MacIver – Spirit goalkeeper, error led to Geyse’s equalizer.
- Ángel Villacampa – América head coach.
- Adrián González – Spirit head coach.
Match Timeline
- 22´ – Aylín Aviléz finishes a Camberos pass for América’s opening goal.
- 27´ – Geyse doubles the lead after nutmegging defender Esme Morgan.
- 30´ – Sofia Cantore scores from 35 yards for the Spirit.
- 45´+0´ – Rosemonde Kouassi equalizes 36 seconds into the second half.
- 58´ – Kouassi scores again, giving the Spirit a 3-2 lead.
- 61´ – Geyse capitalizes on MacIver’s dribble, deflecting a clearance for a 3-3 tie.
- 79´ – Irene Guerrero nets the go-ahead goal.
- 84´ – Camberos adds a second goal for América.
- 90+6´ – Camberos completes the comeback with a stoppage-time strike.
Statistics and Tournament Data
- Final score: Club América 5, Washington Spirit 3.
- Goal scorers: Camberos (3), Geyse (2), Guerrero (1), Aviléz (1); Cantore (1), Kouassi (2).
- Kouassi finished as tournament top scorer (6 goals, Golden Boot).
- Camberos earned player-of-the-tournament honors.
- América secures berths in the 2027 FIFA Champions Cup and the 2028 Club World Cup; the NWSL will not be represented at the 2027 event.
Significance and Future Implications
The victory marks América’s first international club trophy, underscoring the rising competitiveness of Liga MX Femenil on the regional stage. Qualification for the FIFA Champions Cup and Club World Cup provides the team with global exposure and elevates the profile of women’s club soccer in Mexico. For the Spirit, the loss highlights areas for improvement ahead of the next CONCACAF W Champions Cup, where a return could secure a spot in the inaugural 2028 Club World Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
América head coach Ángel Villacampa emphasized that the triumph stemmed from the squad’s passion and pride rather than tactical adjustments. Spirit coach Adrián González praised his players’ effort, acknowledging the sting of defeat while stressing the lessons learned and the team’s resolve to reach future finals. Midfielder Kate Wiesner highlighted the side’s resilience, noting that the result, though painful, reflected the Spirit’s DNA of perseverance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That's where we knew and we noticed this had nothing to do with tactical or physical condition; it had to do with passion and pride,” — Ángel Villacampa, América head coach
- “I think we are going to learn from this and we will keep getting in finals and, for sure, we will win finals in the future,” — Adrián González, Washington Spirit head coach
- “Obviously, the result stings a little bit, but incredible effort from the team, to be two goals down and come back and tie it up,” — Kate Wiesner, Washington Spirit midfielder
- “I think we showed a lot of resilience today, which is what we want to be part of our DNA as the Spirit.” — Kate Wiesner, Washington Spirit midfielder
What’s Next
Club América will begin preparations for the 2027 FIFA Champions Cup and the 2028 Club World Cup, while the Washington Spirit will target qualification for the 2026-27 CONCACAF W Champions Cup, aiming to convert the lessons from this final into future success.
