Arsenal Women claimed the first-ever FIFA Women's Champions Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Corinthians at Emirates Stadium. Caitlin Foord's 104th-minute strike secured the win after the Brazilian side forced additional time with a late penalty. The triumph earns Arsenal a record $2.3 million prize and boosts their season amid domestic challenges.
Match Timeline
The final, held on February 1, 2026, at Emirates Stadium in London, pitted UEFA Champions League winners Arsenal against Copa Libertadores champions Corinthians. Arsenal dominated possession but faced resilient opposition in rainy conditions before a crowd of 25,031.
Arsenal took the lead in the 15th minute when Olivia Smith finished a rebound after goalkeeper Leticia Izidoro saved Stina Blackstenius's shot. Corinthians equalized six minutes later through 40-year-old captain Gabi Zanotti's header from a corner, confirmed by goal-line technology despite Anneke Borbe's initial save.
In the second half, Lotte Wubben-Moy restored Arsenal's advantage in the 58th minute with a powerful header from Emily Fox's cross. The Gunners appeared set for victory until stoppage time, when Katie McCabe fouled Gisela Robledo in the box. After a VAR review, referee Katia Garcia awarded a penalty, which Vic Albuquerque converted in the 96th minute to force extra time.
Extra time saw Arsenal capitalize on a midfield turnover. Substitute Frida Maanum dispossessed Duda Sampaio and passed to Caitlin Foord, who slotted home at the near post in the 104th minute. Arsenal held on despite a late injury to Borbe, who was substituted for concussion after a collision.
Quotes and Context
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy said: "It's not often that you can write history at Arsenal... To come to this inaugural competition and win it and do it with all of our fans here in style - our fans are wonderful and that's who we do it for."
Captain Kim Little added: "It's obviously a unique experience - it being the first Champions Cup. We'll take a lot from winning today and getting a trophy."
Manager Renee Slegers praised her team: "It's football in all its ways today... I'm proud of the team in the rain, in the circumstances, we get over the line and find a way to win this game."
The tournament, featuring champions from six confederations, provided Arsenal a welcome boost. Trailing Manchester City by 13 points in the Women's Super League after a League Cup exit, the victory—following a 6-0 semifinal win over AS FAR—adds to their record haul, including two Champions League titles. Corinthians, in preseason, impressed by reaching the final after a 1-0 semifinal win over Gotham FC, who took third place 4-0 over AS FAR.
The $2.3 million prize, nearly four times last season's Champions League payout, underscores FIFA's investment in women's club football. Arsenal now focus on WSL and Champions League defenses.
