Arsenal's women's team is set to face Moroccan side AS FAR in the semi-final of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday. Midfielder Olivia Smith expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete against diverse styles in the new global tournament. The winners will advance to the final at Arsenal Stadium against either Gotham FC or Corinthians.
The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup marks a historic moment for club women's football, bringing together champions from the six continental confederations: UEFA, CAF, AFC, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC. Arsenal qualified as UEFA Women's Champions League winners after defeating Barcelona in Lisbon, positioning them to vie for the world club title in this inaugural edition scheduled for early 2026.
The tournament structure begins with preliminary rounds hosted by AFC and CAF champions. In the first round, Wuhan Jianghan of China defeated Auckland United of New Zealand 1-0 in October. AS FAR then advanced by beating Wuhan Jianghan 2-1 in extra time, with Hajar Said equalizing in the 89th minute and Sanaa Mssoudy scoring the winner in the 104th. AS FAR, founded 18 years ago, hold a record 12 Moroccan Women’s Championship titles and secured their CAF spot with a 2-1 penalty shootout victory over ASEC Mimosas in November.
Arsenal's semi-final against AS FAR kicks off at 6pm at Brentford Stadium, with the victors heading to Sunday's final at Arsenal Stadium. The other semi-final pits CONCACAF champions Gotham FC against CONMEBOL's Corinthians. Gotham, competing in the National Women’s Soccer League and managed by Juan Carlos Amoros, won their confederation title 1-0 against Tigres UANL in May, thanks to Esther Gonzalez's goal. Jess Carter, formerly of Chelsea, joined them in July 2024. Corinthians, established 28 years ago following Brazil's 1996 Olympic success, advanced via a 5-3 penalty shootout after a goalless draw with Deportivo Cali in October.
At a preview event in Tower Bridge on Monday, Olivia Smith highlighted the thrill of the matchup. “I think it's a really exciting opportunity for us, especially at our home, to have our fans around us as well,” she said. Smith noted the contrast to WSL play: “We're kind of used to playing teams in the WSL, but getting to play against a different type of style will be exciting.” Building on a recent win over Chelsea, she added confidence in lifting the trophy: “We're looking to get into our home stadium, have all our fans around us and lift up that trophy for them. I totally believe we can do it.”
On facing potential North American opponents like Gotham, the Canadian international acknowledged a slight edge but emphasized teamwork: “As long as we're together, we'll be able to get off a winning start.” Tickets for the semi-final are available through Brentford, while final and third-place play-off tickets at Arsenal start at £18 for adults and £9 for juniors, granting access to both matches.
