Arsenal edge Corinthians in dramatic extra time to lift new global crown
Arsenal added another milestone to their growing modern-era legacy on Sunday night, overcoming Copa Libertadores holders Corinthians 3-2 after extra time at the Emirates Stadium to win the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
In a final that swung repeatedly, Jonas Eidevall’s side led twice in normal time only to be dragged into an additional 30 minutes by a stubborn and streetwise Corinthians team. It was Caitlin Foord who ultimately provided the decisive moment, firing Arsenal ahead in extra time to secure a trophy that FIFA hopes will become a defining fixture in the women’s club calendar.
First-half momentum shifts
Arsenal struck first through Alessia Russo’s measured set-up and a clinical finish from Smith in the 15th minute, sending the home crowd into full voice and giving the European champions the early platform they wanted.
But Corinthians responded with the poise of a side accustomed to high-stakes finals. Zanotti levelled in the 21st minute, punishing a lapse in Arsenal’s defensive organisation and underlining that the South American champions had come to compete rather than merely participate.
Wubben-Moy restores control — then late heartbreak
After the interval, Arsenal began to squeeze the game with longer spells of possession and more consistent pressure in the final third. That dominance told on 58 minutes when Lotte Wubben-Moy restored the lead, rising to meet a delivery and directing her effort beyond the goalkeeper.
From there Arsenal looked well placed to see the match out, managing territory and tempo as Corinthians chased. Yet deep into stoppage time, the visitors found one final surge. With the clock reading 90+6, Albuquerque converted a penalty to make it 2-2, forcing extra time and silencing the Emirates for a beat.
Foord delivers the finishing touch
Extra time, however, played into Arsenal’s hands. With match sharpness and rhythm evident, the London side pressed again, and in the 104th minute Foord produced the winner — a decisive strike that finally kept Corinthians at arm’s length.
Arsenal saw out the remainder with discipline, ensuring the new trophy remained in England and confirming their status as the first winners of a competition designed to pit continental champions against each other.
A tournament built for a European winner?
While Arsenal will rightly celebrate being crowned world champions, the context of the tournament will invite scrutiny. The event was staged in London, culminating at Arsenal’s home stadium, and came at a point in the season when the WSL side are fully match-fit. Corinthians, by contrast, arrived during pre-season preparation.
Even so, finals are rarely won on circumstance alone. Arsenal still had to handle two comebacks and the psychological blow of a last-gasp equaliser. Foord’s extra-time intervention ensured they did — and ensured the inaugural chapter of FIFA’s new club showpiece ends with Arsenal on top.
Domestic reality check remains
The triumph does not erase Arsenal’s league work still to be done. Their gap to WSL leaders Manchester City remains significant, a reminder that global silverware and domestic consistency do not always run in parallel.
For one night, though, the Emirates witnessed another piece of Arsenal history: a new cup, a new title, and a new claim — officially, the world’s best club team.