Arsenal win inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after extra-time thriller | OneFootball

Arsenal lifted the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup at Emirates Stadium, defeating Brazilian champions Corinthians 3–2 after extra time in a dramatic final.

Olivia Smith gave the Gunners an early lead with a composed finish in the 15th minute, but Corinthians responded just six minutes later. Veteran midfielder Gabi Zanotti, the 40-year-old who scored the decisive goal in their semi-final win over Gotham FC, levelled the score to leave them tied at the break.

Arsenal thought they had secured the trophy when Lotte Wubben-Moy headed home an Emily Fox cross, but late drama followed. In added time, Katie McCabe was penalised for a challenge on Gisela Robledo and after a VAR review, Vic Albuquerque calmly dispatched the resulting penalty in the 96th minute to force extra time.

The decisive moment came in the 104th minute, when Caitlin Foord slotted past Corinthians goalkeeper Lele, who had otherwise produced an impressive performance throughout the match.

More history for Arsenal

The victory marks Arsenal’s first piece of silverware this season and another historic achievement, coming just eight months after their memorable UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph in Lisbon.

The final was billed as a clash for global bragging rights, bringing together champions from six intercontinental competitions in a first for women’s football. The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will be held annually, except in years when the new Women’s Club World Cup takes place, with the first edition scheduled for January 2028.

While Arsenal will draw confidence and prestige from the win, questions remain over the tournament’s fairness, with Corinthians and Gotham FC out of season and the final staged at Arsenal’s home ground.

Ahead of the match, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers said: “Two teams, two champions of different continents going against each other with a lot of passion.

“It becomes not only the players on the pitch, but everyone involved in the stadium. I think it will be a great football event on Sunday.”

Her words proved accurate. A crowd of 25,031 created an electric atmosphere on a rainy night in north London, led by a vocal Corinthians contingent whose support never waned.

Despite the weather, spirits were not dampened as two elite sides went toe-to-toe, delivering a thrilling contest worthy of the occasion. Managers across the tournament have praised the competition, highlighting the opportunity to face the world’s best and be challenged against new opposition.

With more tournaments like this on the horizon for global women’s football, Arsenal not only secured silverware at home, but also the ultimate global bragging rights.