QB weekly: 15. 6. - 21. 6. 2026

While domestic football is currently limited to Sweden and Norway, and the NWSL is also on its mid-season break, the transfer market is anything but quiet. Several high-profile moves have already been completed, and we now know how the World Cup play-offs will shape up as teams continue their push to reach next year's tournament in Brazil.

Captain stays

It was a good week to be Bajen. Club captain Alice Carlsson put an end to speculation about her future by signing a new contract with the Södermalm side. A key figure at Hammarby since joining in 2018, Carlsson reportedly attracted interest from clubs in some of Europe's top leagues but ultimately chose to remain loyal to Bajen. The defender then celebrated her contract extension in the best possible way: with a victory in the Stockholm derby against AIK.

Mary Earps is back in WSL

The transfer window officially opened on 16 June, and the market is already heating up.

One of the biggest moves so far is the return of former England goalkeeper Mary Earps to the WSL. As had been widely anticipated, Earps has joined London City Lionesses, a club she had been linked with for several months.

The former Lionesses No. 1 arrives from Paris Saint-Germain, having previously spent several successful years at Manchester United. At London City Lionesses, Earps is expected to compete for the starting spot with Elene Lete, who recently signed a contract extension with the club.

Who is gonna face who?

Most European nations now know the path they must take if they are to reach next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

England, who missed out on automatic qualification following their defeat to Spain, will face Greece in the first round of the play-offs. Should the Lionesses progress, they will then meet either Slovakia or Ukraine for a place at the tournament.

Sweden have been drawn against Lithuania and, if they avoid an upset, will take on the winner of the tie between Scotland and Czechia in the final play-off round. Elsewhere, the Netherlands will begin their qualification campaign against Hungary as they look to secure their place on football’s biggest stage.