Arsenal Women FC strolled into the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ final with a thumping win over Moroccan outfit ASFAR at Brentford Stadium. The Gunners will now take on Corinthians in the Arsenal Stadium decider on Sunday.
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Semi-Final
Arsenal Women FC 6-0 ASFAR
Arsenal goals: Stina Blackstenius (8), Frida Maanum (12), Mariona Caldentey pen (22), Olivia Smith (41), Alessia Russo (66, 76)
Arsenal were quick out of the blocks and needed just eight minutes to break the deadlock. Captain Lotte Wubben-Moy met a deep corner and nodded it back across goal for Stina Blackstenius, whose header just crossed over the line.
Four minutes later and the lead was doubled, as Frida Maanum turned and fired home from close range. Mariona Caldentey made it three soon after, coolly slotting home from the spot after Zineb Redouani handled inside the area.
ASFAR grew into the game and spurned a good chance of their own, as Sanaa Mssoudy fired wide from just outside the box. They were made to pay for that miss soon after, with Olivia Smith powering forward and slamming home just before the break.
The Moroccans initially held firm after the break but were eventually pulled apart by second-half substitute Alessia Russo. The England star fired home her first from close range after Maanum saw her effort parried, before chalking up her 22nd strike of the season with a neat run and finish from down the left.
Quotes
“I think it was a really professional performance. We went out with a lot of respect for ASFAR, champions of Africa. They had a lot of threats at times, but I think we stuck to the basics. Great opportunity for everyone to gain a bit more momentum going into Sunday now. So yeah, happy with the win.”
Katie McCabe, Arsenal midfielder
“Of course, we are so happy. We wanted to be in [the] final. It’s at home in front of our fans so it was an important game for us. We [went] for it from the start and we had a nice score. We struggled a little bit after the Christmas break to score goals so it was nice that everyone [could score]. I hope that it gives us confidence.”
Mariona Caldentey, Arsenal midfielder
“Well done to Arsenal, they’re a great team. There’s a reason why they’re at the top of Europe. We’ll be going for third place on Sunday, God willing. We’ll analyse this match against Arsenal and try to apply the coach’s advice better.”
Anissa Lahmari, ASFAR midfielder
“We had a big match to play against Arsenal, we have to keep our heads up, it’s true that we didn’t do everything right today. Gotham, even though they lost today, are a very good team. We’ll try not to make the same mistakes. We’ll give it our all to save our honour.”
Mohamed Amine Alioua, ASFAR coach
