Arsenal are set to face Brazilian champions Corinthians in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The European champions advanced with a 6-0 semi-final win over AS FAR, while Corinthians edged Gotham FC 1-0. Coach Renee Slegers provided positive updates on squad availability ahead of the 6pm kick-off.
Final Preparations at Emirates Stadium
The excitement is building for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final, where Arsenal will host Corinthians at their home ground, the Emirates Stadium, on Sunday at 6pm UK time. This marks the first global club showdown between continental champions, following contrasting semi-final results earlier in the week. Arsenal dominated Moroccan side AS FAR 6-0 at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, while Corinthians secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gotham FC at Brentford Stadium.
Ahead of the match, Lotte Wubben-Moy of Arsenal and Erika Cristiano dos Santos of Corinthians posed with the tournament trophy, symbolizing the stakes involved. The third-place play-off between AS FAR and Gotham FC is scheduled for 2.45pm, setting the stage for the main event.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers emphasized the significance of playing at home. “Competing against the champions of other continents, we had to earn the right to get into the final and I think the team did that brilliantly the other night,” she said in a press conference. “So very excited about the final, we look forward to it and it’s a special moment for us.”
On squad news, Slegers confirmed a near-full roster. Chloe Kelly has returned from a knee ligament injury and featured in the semi-final, showing strong desire to contribute. Captain Leah Williamson, sidelined by a calf strain after her recent Women’s Super League start against Manchester United, is progressing well but remains under assessment following Saturday’s training. “Leah Williamson is progressing really well and we’re working towards this game, but there’s still a couple of steps to take,” Slegers noted.
Slegers also addressed broader challenges, including scheduling demands across competitions. “Scheduling is very important. We grow the game, and we want a lot of things, which is good, but we also have to have the players’ health in mind,” she said. She praised the global growth of women’s football, highlighting trailblazers like hijab-wearing AS FAR player Nouhaila Benzina and the intensity expected from Corinthians and their fans.
While some criticism has arisen over hosting the final at Arsenal’s stadium, Slegers warned against complacency: “Corinthians are a very good team... It’s a final, so they’re going to give absolutely everything.” Arsenal aim to become the first global club champions, adding to their European successes.
