LONDON, England — Arsenal etched their name in history as the inaugural champions of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Sunday, overcoming Copa Libertadores champions Corinthians, 3-2, thereby earning the title of the top club globally. However, the first edition of this six-team tournament proved to be anything but a definitive measure of who truly deserves the title of the best in world football.
The tournament was anticipated as a showdown between the leading club from each of the six confederations — yet only four reached the semifinals in London. The Champions Cup, introduced after the postponement of a new Women’s Club World Cup until 2028, aims to offer a fair assessment of how the continental Champions League winners compare with one another and to facilitate comparisons among leagues worldwide.
Nonetheless, a completely equitable method to evaluate the best club in the world will always be elusive — particularly when leagues operate on different schedules and no single venue can avoid favoring at least one team. Despite this, the Champions Cup did not fulfill its potential by failing to provide every team with an equal opportunity to contend for the title.
In this inaugural edition, two teams were in season, two were out of season, one club played on home soil, and two clubs traveled over six hours, with reports indicating disparities in access to facilities. Arsenal had an advantage even before the match commenced — though it nearly proved inconsequential.
The Gunners had to earn their victory against Corinthians, relinquishing leads twice to allow the relentless spirit of the South American champions to re-enter the contest, ultimately clinching the win after extra time. A defensive mistake from Corinthians, failing to clear the ball from Stina Blackstenius, allowed her shot to be deflected into the path of Olivia Smith, whose powerful volley found the back of the net.
The lead was short-lived as a scramble in Arsenal’s penalty area permitted 40-year-old captain Gabi Zanotti, who scored the only goal to propel the South American side into the final, to head the ball over the line.
Arsenal regained the lead through a header from center back Lotte Wubben-Moy, but a controversial penalty awarded to Gisela Robledo by Katie McCabe in the box provided Corinthians with a last-minute opportunity to equalize, sending the match into extra time.
Corinthians were dispossessed at the halfway line by a determined Frida Maanum, who assisted Caitlin Foord to strike low past the goalkeeper, ultimately securing another trophy for Arsenal, potentially the only one the club may achieve this season.
In truth, the dynamics of the competition were always inclined to favor the reigning UEFA Champions League titleholders, Arsenal. From the venue to the facilities, to the timing of the tournament and the absence of travel, it rendered the comparison and evaluation of the four clubs, and consequently the leagues and confederations they represent, ineffective.
The competition was shifted from the west coast of the United States to London, primarily at Arsenal’s request. The club was reluctant to add several hours of travel and jet lag to their quick turnaround between two crucial title race matches — they defeated Chelsea 2-0 and are set to face league leaders Manchester City next weekend — prompting the relocation closer to home. Specifically, to their home stadium.
Host venues were only confirmed in December, just one month before the competition commenced. Due to poor timing and planning, limited options were available as the semifinals coincided with men’s Champions League matches, and the final took place on a weekend when many London clubs were playing at home in the Premier League and Women’s Super League (WSL). Brentford hosted the two relatively empty semifinals, while Arsenal’s home ground, the Emirates, served as the venue for the final, providing a home advantage.
Arsenal had the opportunity to train at their own facilities, a state-of-the-art training complex in Hertfordshire, while the three other teams were scattered around the city, facing disparities in facility access compared to what Arsenal has available in their daily environment.
Arsenal are currently in season, another factor in their favor, while New York-based Gotham FC and Corinthians are in the midst of their preseason, yet to commence the 2026 season. Although this directly impacts their season and adds two additional games compared to their top three rivals, Arsenal is in form, which cannot be said for Gotham, who, despite a month-long preparation in Europe, appeared significantly off the pace in their 1-0 defeat to Corinthians on Wednesday.
Brazilian supporters, a passionate and sizable contingent who matched the home fans in enthusiasm at both the semifinals and final with their chanting and dancing, regarded this as the most significant match in Corinthians’ history, a chance for the domestically dominant side to test themselves against the best in the world and demonstrate their standing on the global stage.
And while it was not the most equitable of contests or the outcome they desired, Corinthians, the underdogs, defied critics by defeating Gotham 1-0 and showcasing the essence of South American football: determination, resilience, and the capacity to push teams to their limits in pursuit of silverware.
Although the Champions Cup victory may imply that Arsenal is currently the best team in the world, having triumphed over the confederation winners from the other five continents, the 13-point gap with WSL leaders Manchester City — albeit with a game in hand — and their failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages suggest otherwise.
Perhaps the Club World Cup in 2028 will offer a more precise means to ascertain who truly is the best club in the world.
