Wuhan Women’s Football Team Defeats Auckland United 1-0 with a Last-Minute Goal

On the afternoon of October 8th, the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup kicked off at Wuhan Sports Center. Representing China and Asia, Wuhan Chegu Jiangda Women’s Football Team made their debut on the international women’s football top-tier club competition stage, facing off against Oceania Champions League winners Auckland United Women’s FC. With Jiang Chenjing’s winning goal in the 89th minute, Wuhan Women’s Football Team secured a 1-0 victory over their opponents, achieving a successful start to the tournament.

As a newly established top-tier event by FIFA, the Women’s Club World Cup brings together club champions from six continents worldwide, representing the highest competitive level in women’s football clubs. This marks the first appearance of a Chinese women’s football club at this international level. Despite facing a demanding schedule with competitions both domestically and internationally, the club views the World Cup as an important platform to showcase Wuhan women’s football spirit and capabilities.

In this match, Wuhan Women’s Football Team fielded their main lineup, with national team players including Wang Shuang, Wu Haiyan, and Yao Wei all starting. Playing at home, the team took control from the beginning, with Deng Mengye and Song Duan creating continuous threats in front of the goal, though their attempts were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper. As the match progressed, the physically strong Auckland United team gradually found their rhythm, leading to a stalemate with neither side scoring in the first half.

During the second half, Wuhan Women’s Football Team maintained pressure, forming an attacking siege. In the 73rd minute, Song Duan’s long pass found Wang Shuang who scored beautifully, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. The breakthrough finally came when substitute Jiang Chenjing scored with a push shot in the 89th minute. Although the assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside, VAR review confirmed the goal was valid. Wuhan Women’s Football Team completed the last-minute victory, ultimately winning 1-0 and successfully advancing to the next round.

The inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup consists of qualification rounds and a final stage. After winning their first qualification match, Wuhan Women’s Football Team will face their second-round opponent in December, competing against the new African Women’s Champions League winner to be determined on November 23rd, with both teams vying for the final spot in the championship stage. The final stage is scheduled from January 28 to February 1, 2026, featuring four participating teams including the already confirmed UEFA Champions League winners Arsenal Women’s FC, the CONCACAF champions Gotham FC, and the Copa Libertadores Femenina champion to be decided on October 18th. If Wuhan Women’s Football Team defeats the African champion in their next away match, they will face Arsenal Women’s FC in the final stage.