In this week’s women’s soccer news, Arsenal won the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup; some NWSL injury news; Manchester City got a statement win; and more!
High of the Week
Arsenal are the winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after defeating Corinthians in a tightly contested match. The two clubs needed extra time to find a winner, but in the end, it was Arsenal who came away with the 3-2 win. In the semifinals, Arsenal defeated AS FAR 6-0 to earn their ticket to the championship game. Corinthians defeated NJ/NY Gotham to set up the match against Arsenal.
Olivia Smith got the scoring started for Arsenal in the 15th minute, but it only took six minutes for Corinthians to answer with Gabi Zanotti tying the match up at one. Lottie Wubben-Moy put the Gunners ahead again in the 58th minute. Arsenal were feeling good with their 2-1 lead and were on their way to winning in regular time until Vic Albuquerque scored a penalty in stoppage time to send it to extra time. It was Caitlin Foord who ultimately scored the game-winner for Arsenal.
Gotham FC ended up winning the third-place game. Arsenal went home with over $2 million in prize money for winning the tournament, while Corinthians got $1 million, and Gotham/AS FAR both received $200,000.
Etched into history ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0CdHXgsh1H
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) February 1, 2026
Low of the Week
Preseason just began for NWSL clubs, but we’re already hearing news about season-ending injuries. This week, the Chicago Stars announced that Natalia Kuikka tore her ACL on the first day of preseason and would miss the entire 2026 season.
Unfortunately, the Portland Thorns also announced that goalkeeper Bella Bixby tore her ACL and would miss the season as well. Bixby returned in 2025 after welcoming her first child in 2024. Hearing about these season-ending injuries is always tough, and we’re sending well wishes to both Bixby and Kuikka.
📰 | We’ve announced today that goalkeeper Bella Bixby has been placed on the season ending injury list.
Bella, wishing you all the success in a speedy recovery! We’re with you! ♥️
More here: https://t.co/5xbb6n2MjV pic.twitter.com/ocvOAHhbKO
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) January 31, 2026
News of the Week
USWNT player Crystal Dunn announced her retirement from professional soccer this week. Dunn went to North Carolina, where she was a star and won the MAC Hermann Trophy and was the first overall pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft by the Washington Spirit. She stayed with the Spirit until 2017, and during the 2015 season, she won the NWSL MVP and Golden Boot. Then she spent some time with Chelsea in the WSL before joining the North Carolina Courage in 2018. In 2020, she joined the Portland Thorns, where she stayed through 2023. In 2024, she joined Gotham FC. In 2025, she joined Paris Saint-Germain before announcing her retirement this week. In total, Dunn won the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship three times each. With the USWNT, she made 160 appearances and scored 25 goals while helping them win the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the gold at the 2024 Olympics.
A true great of the game. 🇺🇸⭐️
Congratulations on an incredible #FIFAWWC-winning career, Crystal Dunn! 👏 pic.twitter.com/jl7nveu0L2
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) January 29, 2026
Win of the Week
Manchester City has been on a tear this season and is currently sitting in first place of the WSL standings, and they’re 11 points ahead of Manchester United, who is in second. City have been unstoppable all season, with their only loss coming against Chelsea early on in the season, but City made sure to get their revenge on Sunday. They walked away with an impressive 5-1 win over Chelsea and handed them their second straight loss. City opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and from there, they had firm control of the game, doubling their lead by halftime. Then they scored three goals in the second half to get a statement win over the reigning champions. It was an impressive win, and Manchester City is showing that they’re the real deal, and it doesn’t look like anybody can stop them.
FIVE-STAR CITY ✊
🩵 5-1 🔵 @okx pic.twitter.com/RGW6Q5VDjF
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) February 1, 2026
Player of the Week
In Manchester City’s big win, Kerolin had a terrific performance, scoring a hat-trick. The first goal was off a set piece when the ball happened to deflect to Kerolin, who controlled it well and sent it into the net. The second was a terrific individual run and then a beautiful chip over the keeper. The goal that secured the hat trick started with a wonderful ball around the defender from Lauren Hemp right onto the foot of Kerolin, who wasn’t going to miss that opportunity.
Made for big games 🥶
💫 @kerolinnicolii pic.twitter.com/aaK0VxAfaH
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) February 1, 2026
Signing of the Week
Denver Summit signed young defender Eva Gaetino from Paris Saint-Germain. She joined PSG in 2024 and appeared in 30 games for the club. Before her professional career, she played collegiately at Notre Dame, where she made 76 appearances. She has also earned two caps for the senior USWNT team. She brings experience to this Denver team that’s looking to make a splash in their inaugural season.
SIGNED AT THE SUMMIT 🏔️
Welcome to Denver, Eva Gaetino! pic.twitter.com/DfgdKKv2UD
— Denver Summit FC (@denversummitfc) January 31, 2026
Goal of the Week
Ashleigh Weerden scored a wonderful accidental goal for Crystal Palace. Weerden was surrounded by two defenders, but she was able to get around them and send in what was likely a cross, which looped into the back of the net beautifully for the goal.
ASHLEIGH WEERDEN THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS 😮💨#BarclaysWSL2 @cpfc_w pic.twitter.com/s96Gft1oSp
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) February 1, 2026
Social Media Post of the Week
If you missed the USWNT game, then you missed Trinity Rodman getting head coach Emma Hayes into her goal celebration with a dance. It was a great moment, and it shows that Hayes has a wonderful relationship with her team.
Hit the celly 💃 pic.twitter.com/yIjnynbaD8
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 28, 2026
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