The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup has ignited global attention in its inaugural edition, and the stage is set for a thrilling semi-final showdown between Arsenal vs AS FAR Women of Morocco.
Scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at Brentford with kick-off at 18:00 local / 18:00 GMT, this clash marks a historic moment in women’s club football.
Arsenal arrive as reigning UEFA champions and overwhelming favorites, boasting a star-studded squad renowned for their tactical brilliance and attacking flair.
In contrast, AS FAR have captured continental glory in Africa and bring a structured, resilient style that could disrupt expectations and produce a compelling contest.
As the first major intercontinental women’s club competition under FIFA’s banner, the Women’s Champions Cup highlights the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of the women’s game worldwide.
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional quality on their road to the semi-finals, blending experienced internationals with rising talents eager to make their mark on the international stage.
With pride, prestige, and a place in the final on the line, this encounter not only promises high-octane football but also represents a defining chapter in the evolution of women’s soccer.
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Arsenal vs AS FAR – Match Details
The Arsenal Women vs AS FAR Women match is scheduled for today.
| Match | Arsenal Women vs AS FAR Women |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA Women’s Champions Cup – Semi-final |
| Date | Wednesday, 28 January 2026 |
| Kick-off | 18:00 GMT / 18:00 UK time (≈ 19:00 CET / 13:00 ET / 23:30 IST) |
| Venue | Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford, London |
(Scheduled semi-final kick-offs are on Jan 28; Brentford matchday info and fixture pages list Arsenal v AS FAR as the evening game at 18:00.)
Context & stakes
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together four continental champions in London, with a record prize pool and plenty of buzz.
Arsenal, the European champions and hosts of the final stage, are strong favourites, while AS FAR arrive as CAF champions, showcasing a proud, skilled, and battle-tested African squad. Off the field, the chatter centres on scheduling and whether playing in London hands Arsenal a home advantage.
Team news
Arsenal
- Squad: Arsenal have named their 24-player squad for the final phase; key names included in official lists are Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey — Goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger is still out with an ACL injury, so the club will count on their backup keepers. Arsenal’s squad selection has been confirmed through FIFA and club announcements.
- Fitness: Chloe Kelly is noted as fit and back in the squad; the manager is expected to field a strong XI given the tournament stage and home advantage.
AS FAR
- Squad: AS FAR named a strong squad after winning the CAF Women’s Champions League; the roster includes experienced domestic and continental stars — notable names across AS FAR’s lists include captain Ghizlane Chebbak, goalkeeper K hadija Er-Rmichi and young attacker Hajar Saïd, among others. AS FAR arrive battle-hardened, having dominated domestic and regional competitions.
- Tactics/form: AS FAR are organised defensively, dangerous from set-pieces and quick in transition — they will focus on team shape and exploiting set moments rather than attempting to out-possession Arsenal.
Arsenal vs AS FAR Women Probable Starting XI
Arsenal Women Probable XI (4-3-3 formation)
- Goalkeeper: Daphne van Domselaar
- Defenders: Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe
- Midfielders: Frida Maanum, Kim Little (c), Mariona Caldentey
- Forwards: Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord
Injuries
- Leah Williamson is out with a calf injury.
- Manuela Zinsberger is out with an ACL injury.
- Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang are also sidelined with ACL injuries.
- Chloe Kelly is available after returning to the squad from a knee injury.
AS FAR Women Probable XI (4-3-3 formation)
- Goalkeeper: Khadija Er-Rmichi (Captain)
- Defenders: Zineb Redouani, [Likely defenders based on squad depth: Aziza Rabbah, Fatima Tagnaout, Hajar Said (scorer vs Wuhan)]
- Midfielders: Najat Badri, Anissa Lahmari
- Forwards/Attacking: Sanaa Mssoudy (match-winner vs Wuhan)
Key players to watch
Arsenal
- Chloe Kelly — direct, powerful runner who can create and finish chances; big game player.
- Alessia Russo — a physical forward capable of causing problems in the box and stretching AS FAR’s defence.
AS FAR
- Sanaa Mssoudy: Scored the winning goal in extra time against Wuhan and was named Interclub Player of the Year.
- Hajar Said: Scored the 89th-minute equalizer against Wuhan.
- Anissa Lahmari: Key midfielder who previously netted for Morocco at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Khadija Er-Rmichi: experienced shot-stopper and organiser of AS FAR’s defence.
- Zineb Redouani: Reliable defender for the Moroccan side.
Tactical outlook
Arsenal will aim to dominate possession, press high and use wide attackers to overload AS FAR’s full-backs. Expect quick short-passing combinations and late midfield runs into the box.
AS FAR are likely to sit a little deeper, stay compact, defend set-pieces well and try to hit on counters or score from dead-ball situations. Discipline and set-piece defending will be decisive.
Prediction of Arsenal vs AS FAR
Arsenal are favourites given squad strength, European quality and home-advantage — but AS FAR are experienced continental winners and not to be underestimated.
Arsenal’s attacking depth should win the day, but AS FAR’s organisation and set-piece threat mean they’re likely to score.
- Predicted score: Arsenal 3–1 AS FAR
Where to watch Arsenal vs AS FAR
The match kicks off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Brentford Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. Full global listings are available.
- UK: FIFA/organiser broadcasters and local rights — Brentford matchday info & ticket details on club/FIFA pages.
- Global: FIFA broadcast partners for the Women’s Champions Cup — check FIFA.com, Arsenal and regional broadcasters.
- Live updates & line-ups: FotMob / Sofascore / the official FIFA match centre.