Washington Spirit of the National Women Football League (NWSL) lost the final of the Concacaf Women Champions Cup Final 5-3 against Club América of Mexico City. The game was played in front of a sell-out crowd in Pachuca, State of Hidalgo, on 24 May, 2026. Paraguayan football player Claudia “Claudinha” Martínez started from the bench and was called on at the 67 minute. While Martínez teamate Kouassi scored a marvellous goal from a tough angle, defensive mistakes tank the team.
Days before against CF Pachuca Femenil, Claudia Martínez had delivered another landmark moment for Paraguayan football. Martínez playing in the semifinal match scored a winning goal in the 81st minute. This officially sent Washington Spirit into the finals of the Concacaf W Champions Cup after the 1-0 victory in Mexico.
The Concacaf W Champions Cup is an annual regional tournament. The top 27 teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean compete for the title and a qualification to play in the FIFA World Cup. This tournament is equivalent to the men’s football Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly known as the Champions League).
A decisive moment in a difficult semifinal match
The semifinal at Estadio Hidalgo appeared destined for overtime before Martínez came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute. Washington Spirit’s Italian defender Lucia Di Guglielmo broke through the middle and passed the ball into space. Claudia Martínez chased the ball as Pachuca goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras rushed out. Martinez’s initial shot deflected upward over the goalkeeper. The Paraguayan forward reacted quicker, calmly following the loose ball through to the net. As a result, Martínez effectively changed the trajectory of the match, winning the game.
Regardless of the defeat in the final, the Concacaf W Champions Cup has marked an important moment for the Washington Spirit as it continues to establish itself among the top clubs in women’s football in North America. Additionally, players in the Spirit organisation have chances via a partnership and shared ownership to play for the Olympique Lyon in the future.
For Paraguayan Claudia Martínez, the semifinal winner against Pachuca may stand as an early signature moment. Her decisive goal that helped send Washington into a continental final and further implemented her role as one of Paraguay’s strongest upcoming athletes.
Claudia Martínez: From Capitán Bado to the international stage
Martínez’s rise has been rapid. Born in Capitán Bado near Paraguay’s border with Brazil, she developed her skill largely outside traditional structured programs. Martínez began playing futsal at 14. Her ability stood out and earned her an opportunity to continue her development in Asunción. She began her senior club career with Sportivo Ameliano before moving to Club Olimpia, where she featured in the 2024 Copa Libertadores Femenina.
Internationally, Claudia Martínez has already become one of the most-watched players in Paraguayan women’s football. She starred at the youth level for Paraguay, finished as top scorer at the South American U-17 Women’s Championship. The Paraguayan athlete announced herself to senior audiences during the 2025 Copa América Femenina. During that tournament, she scored a hat trick against Bolivia. She became the youngest player in the last three editions of the tournament to score multiple goals in a single match.
In January 2026, Washington signed the forward on a three-year contract, adding one of South America’s most promising young attackers to its roster. Her transfer to the team is valued at US$950,000 for 70% of her rights, and will be paid out in two installments. Not even a full year in, Martínez is already proving herself as an incredible asset
A victory for Martínez, the Spirit, and Paraguay
Paraguayan Claudia Martínez’s goal in the semifinal carries significance beyond Washington’s victory. For Paraguay, her continued development represents the growing international visibility of the country’s women’s game. More Paraguayan players are beginning to reach elite competitions abroad. Performing in a continental semifinal for an NWSL club and being the deciding factor of the match further strengthens the perception that Paraguay can produce players capable of competing at the highest level.
Additionally, her emergence arrives during an important period for the Paraguayan national team. They are continuing its push toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League. With less than a full year of experience at the professional level and only 18 years of age, Paraguayan Claudia Martínez is already becoming one of the central figures of that project. Find more information on streaming options by visiting the Washington Spirit website.
