QB weekly: 27. 7. - 2. 8. 2026

It has been a challenging week for women's football, with several major issues dominating the headlines. Concerns have been raised over the future of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, while the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations struggles the lack of media coverage. There has been plenty of positive news, too. Here's everything you need to know in last week's edition of QB Weekly.

Concerns about 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup due to UEFA boycott

You've probably seen the headlines surrounding world football over the past few days. The controversy erupted after FIFA reportedly explored selling a stake in its tournaments to private investors, prompting UEFA to state that all 55 of its member associations would boycott the competitions if the proposal were to go ahead.

The first tournaments expected to be affected would be the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland, scheduled for September, and, more significantly, the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. While UEFA's stance has been widely viewed as a principled one, women's football could become its first major casualty. Global stars such as Lucy Bronze, Alexia Putellas and Fridolina Rolfö could be denied the opportunity to end their international careers on football's biggest stage.

For now, however, officials continue to insist that the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup will go ahead as planned.

Chawinga sisters ruling WAFCON

The Women's Africa Cup of Nations is in full swing in Morocco, yet the tournament still isn't receiving the level of attention it deserves, a point recently highlighted by sports influencer Coach Jackie. At QueenBallers, we believe that's a missed opportunity.

If you haven't been following WAFCON, you may have missed Barbra Banda's sensational four-goal performance against Egypt, which gave Zambia a dream start to the tournament.

The biggest surprise so far, however, has been Malawi. Led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, the outsiders have exceeded expectations, recording impressive victories over both Nigeria and Egypt. They now face perhaps their toughest test yet, taking on Zambia, with Banda leading the line, in their final group-stage match.

Slovenia takes over in Merseyside derby

Just a year ago, there wasn't a single Slovenian player in the Women's Super League. That changed in February when Zara Kramžar joined Everton on loan from AS Roma. Now, ahead of the new season, the highly rated youngster has completed a permanent move and officially becomes a Toffees player.

What's more, she is no longer the only Slovenian in the league. Her international teammate Sara Agrež has signed for Liverpool, Everton's city rivals. That means the WSL will feature its very first Slovenian Merseyside derby, with Kramžar and Agrež set to face each other on 27 September and again on 28 March.

WSL fixtures are here

On 30 July, the Women's Super League revealed its fixtures for the 2026/27 season. The opening weekend is gonna deliver delivered one of the league's most anticipated match-ups.

London City Lionesses will begin their first home campaign in the WSL against Manchester United on September 4. With stars such as Mapi León, Mary Earps and Alexia Putellas now in their squad, all eyes will be on Michele Kang's ambitious project from the very first whistle. Manchester United, meanwhile, face one of the toughest starts to the season. After their trip to Bromley, they will take on Chelsea and Arsenal in the next fixtures.

Arsenal's campaign also begins away from home soil for the first time in 11 years. The Gunners travel to Brighton, who have strengthened significantly over the summer. Among their headline signings is Lia Wälti, the long-serving Arsenal midfielder who returns to the WSL after spending a season with Juventus. Before her move to Italy, the Swiss captain spent seven years in north London.

Rest in peace Selma Amanda Hagfors Hättestrand

We end this week's roundup with some heartbreaking news from Norway's Toppserien. Selma Amanda Hagfors Hätterstrand has sadly passed away at the age of 16. She most recently played for Grei, having previously represented Lyn.

Our thoughts are with Selma's family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose lives she touched during this incredibly difficult time.