Corinthians Women’s coach eyes Copa das Campeãs, hails Fiel’s support

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Central do Timão

·22 January 2026

Corinthians Women’s coach eyes Copa das Campeãs, hails Fiel’s support

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Throughout last Tuesday (20), the Corinthians women's team departed directly from Guarulhos airport to London, England, aiming to compete in the first edition of the FIFA Champions Cup (Women's Club World Cup). The Brabas will make their debut next Wednesday (28), at 9:30 am (Brasília time), at the Gtech Community Stadium, against Gotham FC from the United States.

In an interview with Meu Timão at the airport, coach Lucas Piccinato shared his expectations for the Champions Cup and celebrated the exposure of the ‘Corinthians’ brand on the international and global stage: “Very high expectations. A very important moment in world women's football: the first competition endorsed by FIFA. Being able to take the name of Corinthians to the top teams in the world is a huge honor. We know there are big challenges ahead, but we are going very well prepared to elevate the name of Corinthians as much as possible,” he began.

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Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

He was later asked about the team's match rhythm for the competition. Unlike the men's tournament, where the Club World Cup is held at the end of every year, the first edition of the women's international competition will serve as the opening of the season in Brazil.

“The World Cup ended up coming in the following season and not at the end of the season, as usually happens in the men's game. So, there is a natural break after a very long season, but also a period in which we had a very good preparation so that we arrive in great condition to compete with top teams. The expectation is very good to do a great job. Of course, we know the difficulty we will face, as there are different styles, but we are also prepared to face all of this and return with the long-awaited title,” he continued.

Next, he spoke about Corinthians’ reunion with striker Gabi Portilho, who had a successful spell at Parque São Jorge between 2020 and 2024, scoring 29 goals and providing 49 assists in 162 matches (118 as a starter), and who currently plays in the United States. There, she is already recognized and is building a winning career.

“She is a player who was very important at Corinthians, has a beautiful history, and is now making her way at Gotham, already winning titles. She is a great player, as are others at Gotham: the German national team goalkeeper, the Spanish national team striker, and players from the US national team. It will be a big challenge and, of course, we are preparing not only to face Portilho, but also the other great Gotham players, just as we have great athletes as well. I believe it will be a great first match,” he added.

Lucas Piccinato also recalled the Brabas’ friendlies at the Teal Rising Cup, in mid-2025, against Chicago Stars and Kansas City Current, as a benchmark for what Corinthians will face against Gotham. In the friendly tournament, Corinthians beat Chicago Stars 1-0 and Kansas City Current 2-1 in the two matches.

“I think those were two games that were very relevant for us, because they put us in the reality of the intensity of games played in the North American league. It was a process we planned back then so that we could arrive now knowing we would face Gotham with an understanding of the pace and speed of the game. They were important friendlies at that time and I think they will serve as a benchmark for us to arrive prepared to play a great match. We will have to do a great job, with a lot of focus, to leave there with a big win,” he added.

Finally, he celebrated the support of the Corinthians fans on social media and in person during the team's departure for England. In fact, Fiel Londres is preparing a series of special actions for the Brabas’ matches in the Champions Cup.

“For sure, Fiel is extremely important to us and pushes us every day in every match. Knowing that the Corinthians fans will be with us at this moment is extremely important. We are very excited to meet them there and hope we can stage an invasion in England and play a great game,” he concluded.

Since 2024 at Corinthians, Lucas Piccinato has led the Brabas in 96 matches, with 69 wins, 18 draws, and nine losses – a 78% success rate – 233 goals scored and 74 conceded. With the club, he has won: Brasileirão (2024 and 2025), Supercopa (2024), and Libertadores (2024 and 2025).

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