Arsenal v FAR Rabat Women's Champions Cup Semi-Final: Sky Sports, BBC and FIFA+ Coverage with Ellen Ellard and Izzy Christiansen

Match date: 28 January 2026

Arsenal v FAR Rabat Women's Champions Cup Semi-Final: Sky Sports, BBC and FIFA+ Coverage with Ellen Ellard and Izzy Christiansen

The inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup reaches its semi-final stage this evening as Arsenal Women welcome African champions AS FAR Rabat from Morocco to the Gtech Community Stadium at 18:00 GMT. This historic tournament marks a significant milestone in international women's club football, with Sky Sports providing comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms alongside BBC Newsbeat and FIFA+ streaming options for British viewers seeking to follow this pivotal clash.

Sky Sports will be the primary broadcaster for British audiences, with coverage across Sky Sports Football HD, Sky Sports Main Event HD, and Sky Sports Main Event UHD. Caroline Barker presents proceedings from the studio, whilst veteran commentator Ellen Ellard will provide expert analysis from the ground alongside Courtney Sweetman-Kirk as co-commentator. The punditry team features Izzy Christiansen and Rosella Ayane, both bringing substantial experience from elite-level women's football, whilst Natalie Gedra reports from the touchline. Sky Sports will also offer highlights coverage on their dedicated highlights channel, with the same commentary team ensuring consistency across all platforms. For those unable to watch live, Sky Sports News will feature Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Natalie Gedra providing updates and analysis throughout the evening.

FIFA+ will broadcast the match globally using world feed commentators, with renowned commentator Flo Pollock helming the main commentary for international audiences. This arrangement ensures that viewers across the globe can follow the action with consistent, professional coverage. Meanwhile, BBC Newsbeat will feature reporter Izzy Gilligan bringing coverage of this significant football event to the broader BBC news audience.

Arsenal Women arrive at this semi-final as English champions and holders of the Continental Cup, seeking to add another prestigious international trophy to their collection. However, Manager Renee Slegers has made six changes to the starting eleven following the team's impressive 1-0 victory at Chelsea just four days prior. The side will be bolstered by the return of Captain Leah Williamson, who makes her comeback to the squad after missing the previous three matches through a calf injury, demonstrating Arsenal's strength in depth at this crucial stage of the competition.

The starting lineup sees Smilla Holmberg earning her first Arsenal start since joining from Swedish side Hacken, providing fresh impetus in midfield. Laia Codina, Frida Maanum, Olivia Smith, Taylor Hinds, and Victoria Pelova all come into the side, with notable absences including Emily Fox, Steph Catley, Kim Little, Katie McCabe, Caitlin Foord, and Alessia Russo, all rested on the bench. This rotation strategy highlights Slegers' careful management of her squad's fitness and freshness during an intense period of fixtures.

AS FAR Rabat represent African football's strongest force on the continental stage and arrive in London having demonstrated their credentials with an impressive 4-1 victory over local rivals FUS Rabat in the Moroccan league immediately following the new year. The Moroccan club sits second in their domestic league and brings considerable pedigree to the Gtech Community Stadium, seeking to become the first African representative to reach the Women's Champions Cup final. Their starting team includes Er-Rmichi, Redouani, Boukhami, Benaina, Ait El Haj, Rabbah, Erroudany, Said, Lahmari, and Tagnaout, representing a formidable challenge to the Gunners' European credentials.

Ellen Ellard, who will lead Sky Sports' commentary, brings extensive experience from decades covering women's football at the highest level. Her authoritative voice and deep tactical knowledge have made her a fixture of major tournaments and club competitions, earning respect from viewers for her ability to identify key moments and explain the nuances of modern women's football. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, operating as co-commentator, combines her background as a former England internationalist with sharp analytical skills, often providing illuminating insights into players' mentality and decision-making processes during high-pressure situations.

The punditry offerings further enhance Sky's coverage. Izzy Christiansen, a former England midfielder with 101 international caps, brings credibility from her playing career at the elite level, having represented Manchester City and other top clubs. Her understanding of tactical systems and individual player development makes her a valued member of any analysis team. Rosella Ayane complements this with her own experience and fresh perspectives on contemporary women's football. Natalie Gedra's reporting adds real-time updates from the ground, capturing the atmosphere and any late-breaking team news that could influence proceedings.

This inaugural Women's Champions Cup represents a watershed moment for international club women's football, finally providing a competitive platform comparable to men's continental club competitions. With Corinthians having already booked their place in the final—remarkably scheduled for Arsenal's own Emirates Stadium—with a 1-0 upset victory over American NWSL side Gotham FC earlier today, Arsenal faces a stern test against African champions seeking to make their own historic breakthrough on the continental stage.

The match commences at 18:00 GMT, with comprehensive coverage across Sky Sports' multiple platforms ensuring that British viewers can access this significant fixture regardless of their preferred viewing method. Whether watching on traditional linear television, streaming via Sky Go, or following on mobile devices, the professional commentary team of Ellen Ellard, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Izzy Christiansen, and Rosella Ayane will guide audiences through every moment of this semi-final clash between European and African football's finest female representatives.