Gotham FC, fresh off their impressive triumph in the NWSL and Concacaf Champions Cup, is setting its sights on an intercontinental championship as they prepare for the Women’s Champions Cup in England this week. The 2025 NWSL champions will face Brazil’s Corinthians in the semifinals, with coach Juan Carlos Amorós emphasizing the team’s unyielding desire to succeed. “The hunger they have to win is unbelievable. It’s in their nature,” he remarked, reflecting on the team’s relentless pursuit of success.
This inaugural Women’s Champions Cup features notable competitors, including UEFA Champions League champions Arsenal, who will compete against Morocco’s ASFAR in a late semifinal at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The stakes are high, with a championship match and a third-place playoff scheduled for Sunday at Emirates Stadium, where the winner will take home a prize of $2.3 million and the runner-up $1 million.
Gotham FC’s journey to this prestigious event was unexpected. They secured their NWSL title as the eighth seed, managing to defeat the top-seeded Kansas City Current and defending champions Orlando Pride, eventually clinching the championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit. The team’s determination was evident when defender Mandy Freeman stated, “This is where we want to be: Competing in the semifinals, competing in the finals, competing to raise another trophy.”
The Women’s Champions Cup serves as a celebration of the growing presence of women’s soccer globally, following the successful 2025 Women’s European Championship and record attendance for club matches, including Barcelona’s thrilling Champions League final in front of over 91,000 fans. Gotham’s participation is a testament to the increasing competitiveness of women’s club football, laying the groundwork for future accomplishments.
While the launch of the tournament faced some challenges, like the late announcement of a global broadcast partner, it remains a significant milestone. FIFA’s upcoming 16-team Women’s Club World Cup, set to debut in 2028, will further solidify the status of women’s club soccer on an international stage.
Alongside Gotham FC’s participation, the tournament will see teams representing each of the six confederations, marking a diverse and talent-filled competition. The total prize pool for this championship is $3.9 million, reinforcing the commitment to advancing women’s sports and the recognition of the athletes, teams, and competitions propelling its progress.