Arsenal Women
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women will once again etch their name into the history books as they prepare to take part in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, set for early 2026. The competition, a landmark moment for the women’s game, brings together the elite of global club football to battle for the title of world champions.
The Gunners secured their place in the new tournament after a historic UEFA Women’s Champions League victory over Barcelona in Lisbon, a result that also qualifies them for the upcoming FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2028.
The Women’s Champions Cup will feature six teams—the reigning champions from each of FIFA’s six continental confederations: UEFA (Europe) – Arsenal; CAF (Africa) – TBD (to be decided in November); AFC (Asia) – Wuhan Jiangda (China); OFC (Oceania) – Auckland United (New Zealand); CONCACAF (North America) – Gotham FC (USA) and CONMEBOL (South America) – TBD (to be decided at the Copa Libertadores Femenina in October).
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The competition will follow a three-year cycle out of every four, alternating with the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, which launches in 2028.
The opening two rounds will be hosted by the champions of Asia and Africa. In the first round, Wuhan Jiangda will face Auckland United in China. The winner of that clash will then travel to meet Africa’s champions in the second round.
Arsenal Women
Arsenal Women beat Barcelona to lift their second Champions League trophy (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal will enter the fray in the semi-finals, facing the victor of that second-round tie. The other semi-final will pit Gotham FC against the South American champions from October’s Copa Libertadores Femenina.
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From the semi-finals onward, matches will take place in a neutral host nation, to be announced by FIFA. The competition will culminate in a final and a third-place play-off, meaning Arsenal will face two of five possible opponents.
Who Could Arsenal Face?
Wuhan Jiangda (China)
Founded in 2001, Wuhan Jiangda are the reigning AFC Women’s Champions League winners, having beaten Melbourne City on penalties after a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser from Wang Shuang. The club has risen rapidly since promotion to the Chinese Women’s Super League in 2017, winning five consecutive league titles.
Auckland United (New Zealand)
Formed in 2019 through a merger between Onehunga Sports and Three Kings United, Auckland United have quickly become Oceania’s dominant force. They claimed their second OFC Women’s Champions League title this May in Tahiti, with Zoe Benson scoring eight times during the tournament.
Gotham FC (USA)
Established in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, Gotham FC are a rising force in the NWSL under the guidance of former Tottenham assistant Juan Carlos Amoros. They won the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in May, defeating Tigres UANL 1-0. The squad includes England international Jess Carter, who joined from Chelsea in 2024.
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