Gotham FC, pioneers turned champions, face Corinthians in FIFA Champions Cup | OneFootball

Corinthians women open 2026 on Wednesday against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Gtech Community Stadium at nine thirty Brasília time, in the FIFA Champions Cup semi-final. The event is FIFA's first world club tournament in the women's game, uniting teams from different continents.

Founded in 2007 as Sky Blue FC, the New Jersey club were early pioneers of US professional women's football. According to Meu Timao, they joined the WPS in 2009 and won that title, the league folded in 2012, and they became NWSL founders in 2013.

A reset came in April 2021 with the rebrand to NJ/NY Gotham FC, aligning the badge with New York and New Jersey. A strengthened board including former governor Phil Murphy and former NFL player Eli Manning backed investment and better facilities.

Spanish coach Juan Carlos Amorós took charge in November 2022 and installed a clear, high-pressing style. Gotham won the NWSL in 2023 and 2025 and lifted the Concacaf Women's Champions Cup in 2025, and Amorós was named NWSL Coach of the Year in 2023.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle is the creative hub, with World Cup winners Emily Sonnett and Tierna Davidson anchoring the defence. Forward Midge Purce remains a key threat, and Spain's Esther González made the 2025 NWSL Best XI.

England defender Jess Carter and Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger add experience at the back. Brazilians Gabi Portilho, Bruninha and Geyse add pace and edge.

Source: Meu Timao