Six months after Chelsea claimed victory in the newly-expanded men’s Club World Cup, FIFA is making strides in women’s club football with the first edition of the Women’s Champions Cup. This inaugural tournament hopes to branch out into a full Women’s Club World Cup by the winter of 2028.
The Women’s Champions Cup kicks off on Wednesday with two semifinals at the Brentford Community Stadium. Gotham FC will compete against Brazil’s Corinthians, while Arsenal faces Morocco’s AS FAR. The final and third-place match will take place on Sunday at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. This tournament will provide a unique opportunity to see how women’s teams from various continents measure up against each other, particularly as interest grows in the performances of NWSL teams relative to Europe’s elite.
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Semifinal Schedule
- Wednesday, Jan. 28
- Gotham FC vs. Corinthians, 7:30 a.m. (DAZN, FIFA+)
- Arsenal vs. AS FAR, 1 p.m. (DAZN, FIFA+)
Qualification
Arsenal, Gotham, and Copa Libertadores champions Corinthians earned direct entry to the semifinals, while AS FAR emerged victorious through earlier rounds.
Since taking over Gotham FC before the 2023 NWSL season, head coach Juan Carlos Amoros has led the team to tremendous success, including two league championships and the latest Concacaf W Champions Cup title. “It would be a dream come true to be in this position two games away,” said Amoros, emphasizing the team’s journey over the past four years.
Gotham may encounter some challenges since they are currently in their preseason, while their competitors have been active in their leagues. However, they return with strong players like Rose Lavelle, who scored in last year’s championship. The match against Corinthians opens up a critical avenue for younger talents to shine, notably Jaedyn Shaw, who is setting high expectations in this prestigious setting.
Jaedyn expressed her sentiments about her formative football experiences in Brazil, stating, “It really shaped me as a player to be honest, seeing the vision on the field, knowing how to combine in small spaces,” linking her passion to her time in the country.
