Arsenal Face Corinthians In Historic Women’s Champions Cup Final

Football fans around the world are in for a treat this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the Emirates Stadium in London hosts a historic showdown: Arsenal Women face off against Brazil’s Corinthians in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final. The buzz is palpable, and with good reason—this is not just another trophy match, but the birth of a new era in global women’s club football. As the sun sets over North London, the stage is set for a contest that could shape the narrative of women’s football for years to come.

The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, debuting in 2026, brings together the best of the best: champions from each of the six continental confederations, all vying for the right to be called the world’s premier club. Arsenal, representing UEFA after their historic Women’s Champions League triumph in Lisbon last season, have already made headlines by dispatching Morocco’s AS FAR in a high-energy semi-final at the Gtech Community Stadium. On the other side, Corinthians, the pride of South America and reigning Copa Libertadores champions, edged past NWSL’s Gotham FC in their own semi-final, sealing their ticket to London for a shot at global glory.

Kick-off for the final is scheduled for 6:00 PM GMT (1:00 PM ET), and the anticipation is building, not just in the UK but across the globe. For fans eager to catch every moment, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, while FIFA+ offers free streaming in select locations—though UK viewers will need a subscription or a NowTV pass to tune in due to geo-blocking. The international nature of the broadcast underscores just how significant this fixture has become in the football calendar.

There’s more at stake than just silverware and bragging rights. The winners will take home a hefty prize of USD 2.3 million, a sum that reflects both FIFA’s growing investment in women’s football and the commercial appeal of the top women’s club sides. For Arsenal, the chance to secure the first major trophy of their season—right in front of their home crowd—adds another layer of motivation. The Emirates is expected to be packed, with supporters hoping to witness a slice of footballing history.

Arsenal’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. After lifting the Women’s Champions League trophy in Lisbon—a moment many fans still recall with goosebumps—the Gunners have continued their fine form. Their semi-final victory over AS FAR showcased the depth and versatility of their squad. Alessia Russo, who has become a household name in English football, was a constant threat up front, while Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina, representing AS FAR, put in a valiant effort to keep the Gunners at bay. Ultimately, Arsenal’s attacking prowess proved too much, and they booked their place in the final with a performance that blended flair and discipline.

Corinthians, meanwhile, arrive in London as the flag bearers for South American football. Their path to the final included a dramatic win over Gotham FC, the newly crowned CONCACAF W Champions Cup holders. While the Brazilian league is currently out of season—a factor that some pundits believe could tilt the balance in Arsenal’s favor—Corinthians have shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion, no matter the circumstances. Their squad is filled with seasoned internationals and emerging talents, all hungry to make their mark on the world stage.

The format of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup draws inspiration from the men’s Club World Cup, but with a fresh energy and a global spotlight that’s uniquely its own. This tournament is not just about crowning a champion; it’s about bringing together different footballing cultures, styles, and philosophies. From Europe’s technical precision to South America’s flair, Africa’s dynamism, and North America’s athleticism, the competition has already delivered a feast of football in its first edition.

For Arsenal, the home advantage cannot be overstated. The Emirates has become something of a fortress, and with a passionate fanbase behind them, the Gunners will look to capitalize on familiar surroundings. As FourFourTwo’s Ayisha Gulati observed, "Much has been made of the advantage Arsenal carry into this match, with Corinthians out of season and Arsenal backed by a home crowd. If they capitalise on this, they should be well-placed to claim the inaugural title and the bragging rights that come with it."

But Corinthians are no strangers to big occasions. Their experience in high-pressure matches, particularly in the Copa Libertadores, means they won’t be overawed by the occasion. The Brazilian side’s ability to adapt and find a way, even when the odds are stacked against them, has been a hallmark of their recent success. Their semi-final win over Gotham FC was a testament to their resilience and tactical nous.

The third-place play-off, featuring Gotham FC and AS FAR, is set for earlier in the day at 14:45 GMT. While the spotlight is firmly on the final, this clash promises its own drama, with both teams eager to end their campaign on a high note. Gotham FC, representing the surging growth of women’s football in the United States, and AS FAR, flag bearers for African women’s football, have both contributed immensely to the tournament’s excitement and unpredictability.

Broadcast innovation has played a key role in making this tournament accessible to fans worldwide. FIFA’s decision to offer free streaming on FIFA+ in certain regions has opened up the event to a broader audience, while traditional broadcasters like Sky Sports ensure that the spectacle reaches fans in established football markets. For those traveling or living abroad, VPN services have become a popular way to bypass geo-restrictions, though always within the bounds of local laws and broadcaster terms.

As the teams prepare for kick-off, the sense of occasion is unmistakable. Arsenal, with their blend of experience and youthful exuberance, are hoping to etch their names in the history books. Corinthians, driven by the pride of a football-mad nation, are determined to upset the odds and bring the trophy back to Brazil. The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and the eyes of the football world are fixed firmly on London.

Whatever the outcome, Sunday’s final marks a watershed moment for women’s club football. The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup has already delivered on its promise of high-quality, cross-continental competition, and the final promises to be a fitting climax. As fans settle in for what could be a classic, one thing is certain: history will be made at the Emirates, and the women’s game will be the richer for it.