'Batman’s team': meet Gotham FC, Corinthians’ World Cup rivals | OneFootball

Corinthians will begin their journey in the FIFA Champions Cup this Wednesday, when they will face Gotham FC in the semifinals of the competition. The match, which will take place at Brentford Stadium in London, kicks off at 9:30 AM (Brasília time). 

But after all, who is Gotham FC? Gazeta Esportiva shares a bit of the history of the American club below, which has some coincidences with Batman and Corinthians themselves. Check it out below: 

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Gotham FC – Photo: STEPHANIE KEITH / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Name in honor of Batman?

The American club was founded in 2007, under the name Sky Blue FC. In 2021, the name was changed to the current one, and you don’t have to be a comic book expert to know that the name Gotham FC is the same as the fictional city of Gotham City, where the story of Batman, one of the world’s most famous heroes, takes place. 

According to the American website The Sporting News, the name is indeed in honor of the city of the Dark Knight. Gotham City is widely considered to be inspired by New York City (although occasionally Chicago is chosen as the influence). In DC Comics, Gotham City is located in the southern part of the state of New Jersey. 

“We are making this important change due to our rapid growth and evolution. Our new name reflects our growing regional reach and captures the relentless determination, boundless energy, and incredible diversity of the communities we represent,” the club said in an official statement in 2021, when it changed its name. 

An old acquaintance of the Fiel

The famous “Ex’s Law” might come into play against Corinthians this Wednesday. Forward Gabi Portilho, who made history with Timão, is on Gotham FC’s current roster and could face her former club. 

Portilho spent four years at Corinthians, winning several trophies such as the Copa Libertadores, the Brasileirão, and the Paulistão. At Timão, she played 162 matches and scored 29 goals. 

Gabi Portilho, playing for Corinthians in 2024 – Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel / Agência Corinthians

Victorious campaigns

Gotham FC earned their spot at the World Cup after winning the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2025, when they defeated Tigres-MEX 1-0 in the grand final. 

In the last edition of the NWSL, the United States women’s soccer league, Gotham FC didn’t shine in the first phase, finishing only eighth out of 14 teams. However, the team excelled in the knockout stage and won the trophy, beating the Washington Spirit 1-0. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.