QB weekly: 16. - 22. 3. 2026

Another week, another story — and we now have our Asian Cup winners. Across Europe’s leagues, a new generation of young stars is beginning to shine. And there’s plenty more to catch up on.

Japan crowned Asian Cup winners, Hamano the hero

Australia’s run of heartbreak on home soil continues. After finishing fourth at the home World Cup in 2023, they fell short again in front of their own fans, missing out on the Asian Cup title. Japan claimed the trophy with a 1–0 win, thanks to a first-half goal from Tottenham’s Maika Hamano.

The final, watched by a crowd of 74,000, underlined Japan’s quality — they had been among the favourites from the very start. The tournament also served as World Cup qualification, with China, South Korea, North Korea and the Philippines joining the two finalists.

Japan’s dominance comes as no surprise. After England and Sweden, they are the most represented nationality in the WSL.

Young stars are on the rise across Europe

A new generation is gradually making its presence felt in women’s football — and we’ll start in England. Chelsea faced Brighton in a rescheduled Matchday 17 fixture this week, where it was 19-year-old academy product Lexi Potter who made the difference. After spending last season on loan at Crystal Palace, she scored her first goal in blue — and it turned out to be the winner.

Across London, Arsenal also showcased their young talent. Winter signing Smilla Holmberg, whom we previously highlighted in our Future Queen series, continues to impress. The fact that Arsenal brought her in at just 19 — and trust her with significant minutes — speaks volumes. She underlined that potential with two assists in a 5–0 win over West Ham. The match also saw the debut of another academy product, Sophie Harwood.

Young stars were making an impact beyond England, too. In the Czech league, the Prague derby between fierce rivals Sparta and Slavia took centre stage. The decisive moment came from just 17-year-old Denisa Rancová from Sparta Prague, whose strike secured the win. With 11 goals this season, she is already the league’s second-highest scorer — an incredible achievement at her age.

Our youngest standout is 16-year-old Fanny Peterson, further proof that Hammarby are a true hotbed of talent in the Damallsvenskan. The young midfielder carried her strong form from the U17 national team camp into club football, scoring to help Hammarby reach the Svenska Cupen final.

Ajax are also showcasing exciting young talent, with two teenagers leading a remarkable comeback against Breda. After Breda opened the scoring, 17-year-old Ranneke Derks quickly equalised early in the second half, before 19-year-old Xanne Kip sealed the turnaround with a late winner. It’s clear the future of women’s football is in good hands.

England - Champions of Europe!

And yeah, we know, it's not July 2025. This time we speak about England have been crowned champions of the European Deaf Futsal Championship following their 3-1 win against Poland in the final. Alongside the Paralympics, another tournament was taking place — one that perhaps doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. The European Championship, hosted by Croatia, was dominated by the Para Lionesses, led by captain Zara Musker. They were flawless in the group stage, not dropping a single point.