QB weekly: 7. 9. - 13. 9. 2026

It’s been another eventful week in women’s football, with plenty to celebrate, some heartbreaking news and more than a few surprising results. The WSL delivered its fair share of unexpected scorelines, while the U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland reached the end of the group stage. Here’s everything you need to know from the past week in QB Weekly.

Baby boom in the Women's Super League

This week brought not one but two pieces of lovely news. The first comes from Manchester United, where Celin Bizet stopped by to introduce her baby boy Gio, who was born this summer, to her teammates. And there was more happy news to come. Swedish winger and left back Fridolina Rolfö, who joined Manchester last season, missed the opening game. And now we know why. The 32-year-old is expecting her first child, with the baby due in March 2027.

And the WSL’s growing football family does not stop there. Shortly afterwards, Aston Villa captain Rachel Daly announced that she and her partner, fellow footballer Sarah Mayling, are also expecting a baby. Baby Daly will therefore have some company, as Millie Bright, Daly's best friend, also announced her pregnancy last week.

Heartbreaking news for Lena Oberdorf

This is such heartbreaking news that it is difficult to find the words. Last year, we were already asking how much bad luck one footballer could possibly have when Lena Oberdorf suffered another injury just minutes after returning to the pitch following a year on the sidelines.

A year later, history has cruelly repeated itself. After 316 days, Bayern Munich fans finally got to see Oberdorf back on the pitch. Sadly, her return did not last long. The German midfielder has suffered yet another setback with her knee and will now be sidelined for a few weeks.

Our thoughts are with Lena, and we hope that this time the recovery will be shorter and, most importantly, successful.

Strong gesture for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

Another player who has had terrible luck with injuries is Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who joined OL Lyonnes from Chelsea this summer. Unfortunately, she is still waiting to make her debut for her new club after picking up an injury during pre-season.

Her new teammates, however, made sure she knew they were thinking of her and could not wait to have her back on the pitch. OL Lyonnes cruised to a 7:0 victory over Paris FC, and after one of the goals, the players dedicated the celebration to Kaneryd by holding up her shirt. Watching it all from the stands, Kaneryd could not hold back the tears.

Peyraud-Magnin silenced the Emirates

After their win at Brighton, Arsenal returned home for their first game of the season at the Emirates, facing WSL newcomers Crystal Palace. Despite going into the match as clear favourites, the Gunners were held to a goalless draw.

Arsenal registered 29 shots compared to Palace’s one, which came late in the game, but still could not find a way through. The hero of the afternoon was France international goalkeeper Pauline Payraud-Magnin, who produced a string of brilliant saves to keep Arsenal at bay. She is currently on loan at the Eagles from Denver Summit.

London City Lionesses also endured a disappointing second round of the WSL season, losing 2:1 away to West Ham and falling short of expectations.

The U20 Women’s World Cup enters the knockout stage

The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup moves into the knockout stage today, with the field in Poland now narrowed down to the teams still fighting for the title. The group stage delivered plenty of memorable moments, although there have been few genuine surprises so far.

The USA have perhaps been the biggest underachievers, finishing third in their group. However, their strong goal difference was enough to secure a place in the knockout stage. Argentina’s Annika Paz currently leads the scoring charts with five goals and one assist.

New Caledonia, as expected, did not make it through the group stage, but their remarkable story is definitely one you should not miss.