World Cup 2026
Jill Scott Exclusive: Being The Face Of Modern Women’s Football, Following David Beckham And Backing Arsenal To Become World Champions
For the first time in football history, women’s club football is set to crown an official world champion.
After years of planning, FIFA has launched global club competitions mirroring the men’s Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup. This week, Arsenal, Gotham FC, Corinthians and AS FAR will battle in the semi-finals of the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, marking a major milestone for the women’s game.
The semi-finals will be played back-to-back on Wednesday evening at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, while the third-place playoff and final will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Ahead of this landmark week, tournament ambassador Jill Scott sat down to share her thoughts on the competition, her role in the game’s evolution, and her belief that Arsenal can go all the way.
A Natural Ambassador For A Growing Game
Jill Scott is widely regarded as one of football’s most respected figures, both on and off the pitch. From her record-breaking England career to her seamless transition into media and advocacy, she embodies the values of modern women’s football.
Despite being recognised as one of the faces of the sport, Scott insists she feels no pressure to act a certain way. For her, being a role model comes naturally.
Growing up, she drew inspiration from male football icons such as David Beckham and Frank Lampard, admiring their professionalism and consistency. Those influences helped shape her own approach, one that now extends beyond playing into mentoring, media work, and promoting the women’s game globally.
With 161 caps for England and a European Championship medal to her name, Scott sees her post-playing career as a chance to give back to a sport that gave her everything.
A Tournament She Wishes Existed Before
Scott admits the Women’s Champions Cup is the type of competition she would have loved to play in. During her career, debates about which leagues or clubs were truly the best remained hypothetical. Now, players finally get answers on the pitch.
The new tournament not only offers global bragging rights but also demonstrates FIFA’s growing financial and structural investment in women’s football. The inclusion of meaningful prize money further reinforces how seriously the competition is being taken.
London Sets The Perfect Stage
With matches hosted at iconic venues and tournament branding spread across London’s transport network, the Women’s Champions Cup already feels like a flagship event.
Scott praised the choice of London as host city, highlighting the city’s passionate fanbase and its history of supporting women’s football. She expects fans from all competing clubs, including international sides, to travel and bring the tournament to life.
Why Arsenal Can Go All The Way
While remaining respectful of all teams involved, Scott believes Arsenal have what it takes to lift the inaugural trophy. Playing the final at the Emirates Stadium, combined with the club’s experience at elite European level and strong home support, could prove decisive.
As women’s football steps into a new global era, the Women’s Champions Cup represents more than just silverware. It is a statement — one that confirms the women’s game has arrived on the world stage, officially and permanently.
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