The first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup heads to London on Wednesday as the final four teams compete for the title. The tournament commenced in October and features the top six clubs from each continental confederation, culminating this week in a format that includes two semifinals, a third-place playoff, and a final.
With a variety of playing styles and elite talent showcased, the event is set to deliver intense competition, with the opportunity for silverware and the largest single prize-money payout in women’s football history for the champion. But what essential details should you be aware of?
What is the Women’s Champions Cup?
Each FIFA confederation organized its own version of the UEFA Champions League, many for the first time due to the absence of a historical club tournament akin to UEFA.
Upon the announcement of this new competition last year, FIFA president Gianni Infantino remarked: “Women’s football has reached new heights at national team level and now it’s time for global competitions that showcase the best clubs from around the world.”
It’s not the same as the Women’s Club World Cup, right?
No, the 16-team Club World Cup is a distinct event. However, consider this tournament as its smaller counterpart.
Initially, the Club World Cup was slated for 2026, but due to organizational and planning challenges, FIFA decided to delay it until 2028. To avoid missing out on hosting three tournaments in consecutive years, with the 2027 World Cup scheduled for next year in Brazil, FIFA opted to introduce the six-team Champions Cup.
The Club World Cup, already surrounded by controversy regarding its potential hosting in Qatar and scheduling issues, is set for January 5-30, 2028, which will directly affect at least five Women’s Super League (WSL) matchdays, a situation the league considers could be “catastrophic.”
Which teams are in it, and who went out already?
The clubs competing in London include England’s Arsenal (UEFA), NWSL team Gotham FC (CONCACAF), Brazilian club Corinthians (CONMEBOL), and Morocco’s ASFAR [Royal Armed Forces Sports Association] (CAF).
New Zealand’s Auckland United FC (Oceania) and China’s Wuhan Jiangda WFC (AFC) have already exited the tournament, with Wuhan defeating Auckland in the first round before losing to ASFAR in the second round. The remaining three teams advanced directly to the semifinals.
Gotham FC will face Corinthians in the first semifinal at 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, January 26. Following that, Arsenal will take on ASFAR in the second semifinal at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. ET).
The victors will compete in the final on February 1 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. ET), while the losing teams will meet in the third-place playoff earlier at 2:45 p.m. GMT (9:45 a.m. ET).
How did teams qualify?
Arsenal qualified as Europe’s representative by winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second time, ending an 18-year wait since their initial triumph in 2006.
North America will be represented by Gotham FC, who secured their spot by winning the 2025 NWSL Championship, which granted them entry into the inaugural CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup—a 10-team tournament divided into two groups, followed by a semifinal and final. Gotham finished second in their group to advance to the knockout stage, where they defeated Club America 3-1 in the semifinal and then overcame Tigres 1-0 in the final to claim the title.
ASFAR represents Africa, having won every domestic Moroccan title since 2015 and every Moroccan Throne Cup since 2013. CAF initiated the African Women’s Champions League in 2021, which ASFAR won in 2022 and again in 2025, making them the only team to achieve this feat twice in its five-year existence.
The champions of CONMEBOL are Brazilian side Corinthians, who triumphed in the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino before clinching a third consecutive Copa Libertadores in a dramatic penalty shootout against Deportivo Cali.
Meanwhile, Oceania’s Auckland United FC claimed victory in the third edition of the OFC Champions League, and China’s Wuhan Jiangda secured the inaugural AFC Champions League for Asia.
Where are the games being held, and why is it happening now?
Initially, the Champions Cup was planned for the west coast of the United States. However, due to Arsenal’s packed season, with critical WSL title race matches surrounding the tournament, the nine-hour travel, jet lag, and limited preparation time led the club to insist on relocating the competition closer to home, sources have informed ESPN.
Gotham FC, which operates on a different calendar than the UK—they play from March to November, while WSL teams compete from September to May—are currently in their offseason but have spent the past month in Europe, playing various teams to build momentum, gain exposure, and maintain fitness.
FIFA consented to move the tournament to England, and Wednesday’s semifinals will take place at the GTech Community Stadium, home of Brentford FC in west London. The finals will be hosted at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s home ground, eliminating the neutral venue advantage for all teams and providing the Champions League holders with a significant home advantage.
What is the prize money on offer?
Auckland United and Wuhan Jiangda received $100,000 for their participation.
The two teams eliminated in the semifinals will earn $200,000.
The runner-up will receive $1 million, while the champion will take home $2.3 million.
play1:20Krieger: Gotham FC deserved NWSL Championship win
Ali Krieger expressed admiration for Gotham FC and their manager Juan Carlos Amorós following their NWSL Championship victory over Washington Spirit.
Semifinal previews
Gotham FC vs. Corinthians
These two teams are relatively unfamiliar with one another, but as a leading force in one of the most developed leagues globally, featuring numerous top international players like Jaedyn Shaw, Rose Lavelle, and Esther González, Gotham is expected to secure a victory.
Nonetheless, Corinthians’ philosophy and history should not be underestimated. They boast impressive players—such as captain Tamires, who has over 150 caps for Brazil—and a distinct identity that makes them a formidable opponent. However, Gotham’s thorough preparation in Europe will make them a challenging team to defeat.
Gotham player to watch: Ann-Katrin Berger. Anyone who followed the WSL from 2018-2024 will recall Berger for her remarkable saves and outstanding performances that contributed to Chelsea’s five WSL titles. Returning to England, Berger comes off a strong run with Germany and will be central to Gotham’s aspirations for the inaugural trophy.
Corinthians player to watch: Jhonson. The forward has had an exceptional 2025. She scored the decisive penalty against Deportivo Cali in the Copa Libertadores final, qualifying Timão for this competition, and has now earned a place in Brazil’s senior squad. The 20-year-old is quickly establishing herself as a vital player for the South Americans and will relish the opportunity to challenge Gotham’s defense.
Prediction: Gotham 3-0 Corinthians.
Arsenal vs. ASFAR
As one of the top teams globally—with a rich history, innovation, and ample resources—Arsenal is well-positioned to reach the final. The Gunners feature world-class players, cutting-edge facilities, and the advantage of playing at home, all of which favor them in their pursuit of victory.
However, ASFAR may present a greater challenge than anticipated. The Moroccan team showcased their tenacity with a dramatic comeback in their second-round match against Wuhan to secure a semifinal berth, a quality that Arsenal has struggled with this season.
Arsenal player to watch: Alessia Russo. The standout player in the Arsenal attack, Russo operates as both a striker and attacking midfielder, forcing opponents into errors at the back. She effectively holds the ball and controls the pace of the game, having been one of the club’s top performers this season and last. Once she gains momentum, she is difficult to contain, and ASFAR will need to effectively close her down.
ASFAR player to watch: Anissa Lahmari. The former Paris Saint-Germain player brings a wealth of global experience. She has played in France for various clubs, had a loan spell at Reading, and spent time in Spain with Levante before joining ASFAR. She was also part of France’s youth setup before switching her allegiance to Morocco in 2023. Lahmari has faced Arsenal previously, and her teammates will likely seek her insights on how to challenge the north London side.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 ASFAR
