International Champions Cup. Women
The Women's International Champions Cup is a premier club tournament pitting Europe's elite women's teams against North America's top sides. Organized by Relevent Sports in partnership with FIFA, it features showdowns between giants like Barcelona and Lyon versus NWSL powerhouses such as Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage. Held in the US, the event highlights the surging popularity of women's soccer, delivering high-stakes clashes on neutral venues.
History and foundation
Launched in 2022, the tournament has swiftly become a preseason highlight. CF Montréal claimed the inaugural title with a 2-0 final win over Portland, powered by Jessica McDonald. In 2023, Chelsea triumphed 2-0 against Arsenal, with Sam Kerr's brace stealing the show. Fun fact: Modeled after the men's International Champions Cup, it's tailored for women's soccer's unique landscape with fewer elite clubs. It drew over 100,000 fans live and millions online, underscoring women's sports boom.
Tournament format
Knockout format with quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. Eight teams: four UEFA (Champions League winners and top-rated) and four NWSL (regular season leaders). July matches in the US last 90 minutes, with extra time and penalties if needed. Perfect preseason tune-up blending commerce and competition.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.8 goals, fueled by attacking flair. Top scorers include Sam Kerr (4 in 2023), Cynthia Lavoie (3 in 2022), and Alexia Putellas. Standouts: Maine Nicolson’s blistering pace for Portland, Vivienne Rolfe’s creativity at Barcelona, and Lyon’s Ada Hegerberg terrorizing set pieces. Emerging star Jess Fox from Arsenal hints at future dominance.