QB weekly: 31. 8. - 6. 9. 2026

It’s here! It’s been a packed week. We now know all the teams competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League, the WSL has kicked off, and the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup has also got under way in Poland. There’s a lot to get through, so let’s recap it all.

Dream debut for Lisa Baum

Young German winger Lisa Baum joined Arsenal from RB Leipzig this summer, with the Gunners viewing her primarily as a young talent for the future. That perhaps made it all the more surprising to see Renée Slegers name her in the starting XI for the opening game of the season.

Arsenal opened their campaign away to Brighton, a team they have struggled against in recent seasons. But Baum made sure her debut was one to remember. Her goal in the tenth minute secured Arsenal the win and three valuable points, giving the youngster a dream start with her new club.

Spanish Football Federation plans to cover egg freezing costs 

The prime of a female footballers' form and career often coincides exactly with the time when motherhood becomes a thing to consider. And returning after giving birth is difficult. There is a lack of research, a lack of return-to-play protocols, and no one really knows exactly what a player needs.

Spanish star Alexia Putellas summed it up perfectly. The federation, according to her, understood that a player is representing her country while racing against her biological time, and that she should not be prevented from becoming a mother simply because she needs her body to do her job.

And this is not an isolated case. Racing Louisville did the same back in 2021. Chelsea Women have a fertility partner since the start of this season to educate them more about this topic. This year, UEFA recommended that clubs include fertility support in player contracts, while Chelsea went a step further by setting up its own fund.

Millie Bright has some news to share

Speaking of the motherhood, former Chelsea captain Millie Bright, who retired from professional football in April this year, has shared some wonderful news. She and her partner Mitch are expecting their first baby baby. Congratulations!

FIFA U20 Women's World Cup kicked of in Poland

The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup kicked off in Poland on 5 September, with the hosts getting their campaign off to a perfect start with a dominant 3–0 win over Argentina.