Arsenal were crowned the first-ever winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after edging past Brazilian champions Corinthians 3–2 in extra time at a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium.
The inaugural tournament brought together continental champions from Europe (Arsenal 🏴), CONCACAF (Gotham FC 🇺🇸), CONMEBOL (Corinthians 🇧🇷) and CAF (AS FAR 🇲🇦). Its first edition closed under the lights in north London, a fitting stage for a final that delivered drama, controversy and a historic outcome.
The semi-finals took place on Wednesday evening. Arsenal swept aside AS FAR 5–0, while Corinthians squeezed past Gotham FC 1–0. Earlier on final day, Gotham claimed third place with a convincing 4–0 win over AS FAR, giving supporters with tickets a full afternoon of knockout football.
Arsenal Dominate but Leave it late
This final had little business going beyond 90 minutes. Arsenal controlled possession, tempo and chances from the opening whistle but repeatedly failed to turn that dominance into a commanding lead.
The breakthrough arrived on 15 minutes. Olivia Smith reacted quickest after Lele spilled Stina Blackstenius’ shot, rifling home from 12 yards to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Corinthians hit back just seven minutes later. A corner caused chaos in the box and Gabi Zanotti’s header crossed the line by the narrowest of margins to level the match.
Arsenal pressed hard for a second before the break. Lele stood firm, denying Alessia Russo once and Beth Mead twice to keep Corinthians alive.
The Gunners regained the advantage after the restart. Lotte Wubben-Moy powered home a header in the 58th minute from an excellent Emily Fox delivery. At the other end, the closest the Brazilians came to an equaliser was close-range Jhonson strike that was kept out well by Anneke Borbe.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the trophy looked bound for red and white ribbons. Then came the turning point. VAR intervened in the 91st minute after Katie McCabe brought down Gisele Robledo in the area. Vic Albuquerque converted the penalty to force extra time.
Arsenal responded with intent. Substitute Caitlin Foord struck the decisive goal in the 104th minute, finishing clinically at the near post after being played through by Russo. Sealing a 3–2 victory and writing the club into history as the world’s first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup winners.
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A Global Game Taking Shape
Some debate followed the final. Arsenal arrived mid-season and match sharp, while Corinthians had not played competitively since mid-December, with their domestic campaign not due to begin until 15 February. Critics pointed to timing and home advantage as contributing factors.
None of that alters the record. Arsenal lifted the trophy and became the first name engraved on it.
Importantly, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup marks a clear shift beyond regional dominance toward a genuinely global women’s club game – one that brings continental champions into direct competition on a global stage.
The next edition is set to take place in 2028, with growing discussion around expanding the format to include more teams as the competition beds in and demand increases.
For now, Arsenal sit at the summit of that emerging landscape – history made, and a benchmark firmly set.
