Arsenal Crowned Inaugural Women's World Champions
Arsenal has made history, becoming the first women's world soccer champions. They secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brazil's Corinthians in extra time during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup final, held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in north London.
Arsenal has become the first women's world soccer champions, securing a 3-2 victory over Brazil's Corinthians in extra time during the FIFA Women's Champions Cup final.
Australian Stars Shine on the World Stage
Australian Matildas star Caitlin Foord scored Arsenal's third goal, which proved to be the decisive point in the thrilling final. Fellow Matildas Steph Catley and Kyra Cooney-Cross were also part of the winning squad.
This achievement marks them as the first Australian women to achieve club soccer world champion status.
Decisive goal-scorer Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, and Kyra Cooney-Cross are the first Australian women to achieve club soccer world champion status.
Foord entered the match as a substitute, making a crucial impact. Catley played the full 120 minutes of the final, showcasing her endurance. While Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute in the final, she had participated in Arsenal's successful UEFA Champions League campaign, which secured their place in this competition.
A Thrilling Final Unfolds
The final was a hard-fought contest where Corinthians equalized twice, pushing the game to its limits. The second equalizer, a last-gasp penalty, forced the match into extra time.
Arsenal largely controlled possession throughout the game. They had previously demonstrated their dominance in the semi-final, defeating African champions AS FAR 6-0. Despite Arsenal's control, Corinthians, who had overcome US champions FC Gotham in their semi-final, consistently posed a significant threat.
Dramatic Goal-by-Goal Breakdown
The scoring opened early, with Canadian striker Olivia Smith putting Arsenal ahead after 14 minutes. Corinthians responded just seven minutes later, as Gabi Zanotti headed in from a corner to equalize.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 59th minute through a header from Lotte Wubben-Moy. However, Corinthians forced extra time when Vic Albuquerque successfully converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, in the dying moments of regular play.
The decisive moment arrived late in the first period of extra time. Frida Maanum initiated a break, passing to Caitlin Foord. Foord then drove her shot inside Lele's near post, sealing the championship for Arsenal.
The New Era of Women's Club Football
This new competition features the six continental champions and is scheduled to run annually. The only exception will be in years featuring the quadrennial 16-club Women's Club World Cup, which is slated to launch in 2028.