As we walk into 2026, here are the top 10 most-attended women’s football games from 2025 across the world and what happened in those games. The pattern is big stars, big teams, and big stadiums, all of which shape this list from other matches. The list is dominated by the lionesses and Arsenal, who won the marketing PR battle.
Top of the list, no surprise given their fan base, it's the Lionesses. This game was marketed months before kickoff, and it was advertised before they won back-to-back European Championship titles. It was part of England's homecoming tour, during which they played teams outside Europe to prepare for the World Cup next summer. Around the country, after the historic summer, this was their only game in London and drew in a big crowd. The attendance was 74,611, and the result was England 8-0 China in November. England produced one of their most emphatic performances against China in front of a massive Wembley crowd. Georgia Stanway scored a hat-trick, including a penalty. At the same time, Beth Mead grabbed two goals and Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo each added to the score line in a dramatic, dominant display. Going into this match, it was not thought to be such a dramatic win. England began brightly, racing into a multi-goal lead in the first half with three goals in under four minutes, effectively setting the tone early. Possession was overwhelmingly in the Lionesses' favour, and despite the contest being a friendly, England’s clinical edge ensured a rout. This was England's first game at Wembley after winning Euro 2025.
The second is another Wembley showdown in the women’s FA Cup final in May, with an attendance of 74,412, and the result was 3-0 to Chelsea against Manchester United. Chelsea completed a historic domestic treble after winning the WSL and League Cup and ended a remarkably undefeated run across all domestic competitions. Sandy Baltimore opened the scoring with a penalty just before halftime, executing the spot kick with composure under pressure. It was not until the 84th minute that Chelsea secured the trophy, when Catarina Macario, a second-half substitute from a Baltimore free-kick, showcased her aerial dominance. The final goal was sealed by Baltimore in stoppage time, rounding off an outstanding individual performance. Manchester United started with energy and created early chances, but Chelsea’s superior discipline and experience gradually asserted control. United’s keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made several good saves, but Chelsea’s efficiency in finishing and game management proved decisive.
Third place is the German cup semi-final between Werder Bremen and HSV, 3-1. In March 2025, attendance was 57,000. This northern derby was played in front of a record attendance. Werder Bremen prevailed after extra time, overcoming local rivals HSV. The tie was level after 90 minutes before the clinched victory, which demonstrated the growing passion for regional derbies in women’s football and larger attendance outside WSL and clubs, giving the fans the stadiums to fill up.
The final in the top five is Arsenal v Spurs. This is an example of if you give them the big stadiums, the fans will come. Fifty-six thousand seven hundred eighty-four fans came to the Emirates for the north London derby in February. While not a massive rivalry in women’s football, it has transcended from the men’s side. Arsenal won 5-0, one of the most enormous crowds for a regular-season women’s league match in England. Alessia Russo, Emily Fox, Frida Maanum and others all contributed to Arsenal’s attacking display. Chloe Kelly also made her debut, injecting excitement into the Emirates Stadium crowd.
Another Arsenal attendance record was set, thanks to the fan base and marketing deal, bringing in a massive crowd to the game at the Emirates. Though the attendance at the crash in November of 56,537 was not the most significant talking point. The game ended 1-1, but a Stina Blackstenius goal was ruled off for handball, even though it didn’t touch her hand, and a late winner by Frida Maanum was ruled offside. The game ended 1-1 when Alessia Russo scored the equaliser. With dangerous tackles also going unpunished, this was a game for the decade and added to the biggest WSL rivalry and iconic moments it has produced, like sockgate and male aggression claims between Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall.
The Nations League final second leg, which would determine everything in Madrid in December, drew an attendance of 55,843. In a showcase Final, Spain convincingly beat Germany with three goals at home in Madrid to secure the Nations League title. Clàudia Pina scored twice, and Vicky López added a third, illustrating Spain’s attacking rhythm and strategic precision in continental competition.
The 8th list is England v Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. The May 2025 Wembley match saw an attendance of 48,631 for a 6-0 victory. This was the last Wembley game before the Euros. England displayed their rising international form with a commanding win. Aggie Beever-Jones made her first start for England after she grabbed a first-half hat-trick while Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly also scored, reflecting a strong attacking unit in preparation for the major tournament.
Another Arsenal attendance again at Emirates as Arsenal hosts their women’s side at the main stadium. This time was the closing weekend of the WSL to determine Champions League position. The May game drew 46,603. A high-attendance league game featuring two top WSL clubs during the crucial late-season push for European qualification and silverware. The watchable rivalry drew nearly 47,000 supporters, underlining the strength of women’s club football attendances in England.
The final game on the 10th on the list was England v Spain in the UEFA Nations League back in February, with an attendance of 46,550. This game saw England scare Spain and prove their worth, winning 1-0 on a goal from Jess Park—a tightly contested tactical battle between two elite European sides. England edged Spain with a solitary goal, often reported as scored early in the second half, in front of over 46,000 fans. The match showcased defensive organisation and transitional play from both nations.
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