2nd February 2026
February 2 – Arsenal won the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on Sunday evening picking up the largest prize payout in the history of women’s football. An English team also won the first edition of the expanded men’s Club World Cup last summer, when Chelsea picked up $100 million.
Renée Slegers’ side defeated South American champions Corinthians 3–2 after extra time at the Emirates Stadium, landing a £1.7 million winners’ cheque as FIFA’s new six-team tournament made its debut in the international calendar.
Designed to bring together the continental champions from around the world, the competition represents FIFA’s most ambitious step yet in globalising elite women’s club football – despite Arsenal coincidentally playing at their home ground for the final in front of a smaller-than-expected crowd of 25,031 at the 60,700-capacity Emirates Stadium.
The Champions League holders made a fast start at their home ground in north London, with record signing Olivia Smith opening the scoring after 15 minutes. Corinthians responded quickly through captain Gabi Zanotti, who equalised six minutes later, leaving the match finely balanced at the break.
Arsenal regained control in the second half when England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy headed home to restore the lead, and the hosts appeared to be in cruise control until a 96th-minute penalty allowed the Brazilian side to force extra time, threatening to spoil Arsenal’s night.
Instead, it was substitute Caitlin Foord who delivered the defining moment, beating goalkeeper Lele at her near post in the 104th minute to decide the final and confirm Arsenal as the first winners of the Women’s Champions Cup.
The closing stages were not without concern for the hosts, with goalkeeper Anneke Borbe stretchered off following a collision with teammate Wubben-Moy, slightly tempering the celebrations at full time.
Captain Kim Little praised her side’s composure under pressure. “It’s great to get the win,” she said. “We showed incredible character and resilience to lose the goal right at the end and come back in extra time. The girls did great.
“It’s obviously a unique experience, it being the first Champions Cup. We’ll take a lot from winning today and getting a trophy.”
With FIFA positioning the Women’s Champions Cup and the expansion to a Women’s Club World Cup as a cornerstone of the women’s calendar, Arsenal’s victory sets an early benchmark – on the pitch and commercially – for a new phase of the women’s club game.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1770035403labto1770035403ofdlr1770035403owedi1770035403sni@g1770035403niwe.1770035403yrrah1770035403](javascript:;)