As history has shown time and again, sport and politics are difficult to separate. At major events such as the Olympics or the World Cup, that reality becomes even more evident. The ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup — where Iran’s national team is competing — is no exception.

What if your child could play with a doll who shares their football dreams? To celebrate International Women’s Day, Barbie has unveiled a new collection honouring inspiring women — including Euro final hero Chloe Kelly.

Named the world’s best floorball player by Innebandy Magazinet, Maja Viström has collected success at both club and international level. Yet her sporting career could easily have taken a very different path. Earlier in her life, she also played football — even representing her country at youth international level.

Sweden opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a valuable away win against Italy. Head coach Tony Gustavsson trusted several young players, and it was 19-year-old Bella Andersson who especially caught the eye.

Today, Leah Williamson is among the most beloved players in the women’s game — a two-time Lionesses captain and a Champions League winner with Arsenal. But her journey to that status was not guaranteed. At one point, everything could have shifted because of a single interview.

For much of the game, it looked as though Czechia would open their World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory, having led for the majority of the contest. But Wales refused to relent, and in the closing minutes Elise Hughes struck to make it 2:2.

Sport and politics have never truly existed in isolation — and the current AFC Women’s Asian Cup is no exception. Iran’s players underlined that reality with a powerful gesture during the national anthem.

Japanese women’s football is on the rise. Fresh off their SheBelieves Cup triumph, Japan arrive as strong favourites for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup title. One player to keep a close eye on is young midfielder Momoko Tanikawa, one of the brightest emerging talents in the squad.

There will be a brief pause in Missy Bo Kearns’ time on the pitch, but it comes with joyful news. The England international has shared that she and her partner are expecting a baby — meaning the Aston Villa family is about to grow by one very special new supporter.