Corinthians are ready for the biggest challenge they will have faced so far in women’s football. On Sunday the Brabas da Fiel – the ‘fierce ones’ of the faithful – face Arsenal in London in the final of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™.
The match will determine who takes the global crown in the first-ever FIFA women’s club competition. But for Duda Sampaio, what Corinthians have already achieved in England goes beyond the results.
“This match will be even tougher, but I’m certain the world is seeing the strength of Brazilian football,” said the midfielder to FIFA. “This will be a defining moment for Brazilian women’s football. I am sure that anyone watching will come away from it with an even greater respect for the women’s game.”
While the final gives Brazil a chance to shine on the world stage, the semi-final has already confirmed Corinthians’ talent and prowess. With the stands packed by supporters who had travelled thousands of miles, the Timão imposed themselves on the pitch to beat Concacaf champions, Gotham FC, 1–0.
Gabi Zanotti’s late winner is still fresh in Duda’s memory, and it seems she won’t forget that moment anytime soon.
“It was one of the toughest matches I’ve played since joining Corinthians,” she said. “We knew it would be – Gotham are very strong. When the goal went in, it’s hard to put that joy and emotion into words, seeing everyone running to celebrate. An incredible moment, one that will stay with me forever.”
The victory also made one thing clear: Corinthians are a side that give nothing away. The alvinegras reject the ‘underdog’ tag, turning the sceptics’ doubts into fuel for their plans to make history once more.
“When we hear that (we’re not the favourites), knowing the strength this club has… of course it’s the first global competition, but with all the work we’ve been doing for years, hearing things like that only drives us on more,” Duda said.
“No matter what’s been said or what we’ve heard, being here and playing for Corinthians is a huge motivation.”
And there is no greater motivation than the chance to cement their place in history. Against Arsenal, Corinthians are not just chasing a first-ever title — they are aiming to become the first women’s champions in a FIFA-organised global club tournament.
Duda and Corinthians know all about the quality of Arsenal’s squad, but they also trust their own strength in these moments. That is how the Brabas da Fiel will step onto the pitch, chasing yet another milestone.
“It’s hard to say, because we know how difficult it will be,” she concluded. “It will be one of the toughest matches of my career, without a doubt. We know just how formidable Arsenal are in Europe. We’re pushing ourselves to the maximum in training to deliver another great performance, just like we did in the first match.”
