Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Arsenal Women Arsecast Episode 152: FIFA Champions Cup Preview Special
Jan 27, 2026
Jenna Tonelli, Sports Illustrated journalist covering Gotham FC and the NWSL. Ali Howorth, freelance African football reporter focused on Moroccan and CAF competitions. They preview the FIFA Champions Cup opponents: ASFAR’s Moroccan investment and tactical approach, Gotham’s recent rollercoaster form and roster shape, and Corinthians’ South American dominance. Fast, focused takes on what each team brings to the tournament.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
New Intercontinental Test For Clubs
- The FIFA Champions Cup is a four-team, two-semi-final tournament bringing continental champions together in London.
- It acts as an early club world cup-style test before a full women's Club World Cup arrives in future years.
Rapid Professionalisation In African Women's Football
- African women's football has rapidly professionalised in the last eight to nine years with new continental club competitions.
- CAF's women-focused Champions League and federation rules forcing clubs to field women's sides accelerated investment and standards.
State-Funded Professionalism In Morocco
- Morocco's government has heavily funded two tiers of women's football, paying player and staff salaries and covering infrastructure.
- This rapid top-down investment created professional leagues almost overnight but the playing standard is still catching up.