The Arsenal legend's decision to kiss her boot after scoring against Japan was meaningful on a personal level and helped begin a new era for English women's football
For years, female match officials faced a daunting choice between pursuing their elite sporting ambitions and starting a family. However, a series of FIFA initiatives is now ensuring that referees no longer have to sacrifice their careers for motherhood, providing a blueprint for inclusivity at the highest level of the game.
Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost in his quest for a third term as FIFA president after the Asian Football Confederation performed a dramatic U-turn to endorse his leadership. The move comes just months after the AFC joined other continental bodies in a fierce criticism of the Swiss-Italian official over a controversial World Cup investment plan.
FIFA has officially announced that the United States will play host to the first-ever Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, marking a massive milestone for the professional game. Alongside this landmark hosting decision, the governing body has committed to a significant financial boost for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil to ensure players and clubs receive greater rewards than ever before.
The United States Women's Under-17 team have made history by securing the largest victory at any age level in a World Cup tournament. They delivered an incredible 17-0 thrashing against Samoa in their opening match, with talented forward Maddie DiMaria leading the charge by scoring six remarkable goals to etch her name alongside the best in the sport.
Spain have strengthened their position at the summit of the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking after a successful double-header against the United States. Meanwhile, Malawi have recorded an unprecedented surge up the standings following their historic continental run, and Denmark have secured a highly anticipated return to the top 10 for the first time in 16 years.
Sarina Wiegman has officially committed her long-term future to the Lionesses by signing a contract extension that runs until 2029. The deal ensures the highly successful Dutch coach will remain at the helm for the next major tournament cycle following her historic success on the international stage.
Teams have been busy booking their spots and preparing for the summer's tournament in Brazil - but who are the most likely contenders to claim the trophy?
England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway. It hasn't gone how the Lionesses would've hoped thus far, with a second-placed finish in the group condemning Sarina Wiegman's side to the play-off route. But the 2023 runners-up are still expected to make the 2027 tournament, even if they are taking the scenic route.
England's Lionesses have always had great goalscorers. Even before the team was the major contender it is now, winning back-to-back European Championships under Sarina Wiegman and reaching a first Women's World Cup final, they could boast some incredible attacking talent, with Arsenal icon Kelly Smith, widely considered the Lionesses' greatest ever player, a prime example.
The Arsenal forward has been a consistent and reliable performer at international level for several years now - but what happens if she becomes unavailable?
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has officially announced his intention to challenge current president Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections. Vega is the very first candidate to publicly declare a run against Infantino, capitalising on growing dissatisfaction among European federations regarding the governing body's leadership.
Lexi Potter has been able to count Keira Walsh as her No.1 fan for a while now and it appears England boss Sarina Wiegman is equally impressed after calling the 20-year-old up to the Lionesses squad for the first time
The conflict between European football leaders and the global governing body has escalated dramatically. Aleksander Ceferin has compared Gianni Infantino to the naked emperor from the famous fairytale, while Nasser Al-Khelaifi has proposed a new global club body. This latest war of words highlights the deepening rift over power, commercial rights, and transparency in the sport.
Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone are Lionesses icons and have been key figures of the team's success under Sarina Wiegman, but neither were included in Tuesday's squad ahead of England's crucial Women's World Cup qualifier against Greece
Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone have both been left out of the latest Lionesses squad ahead of England's crucial Women's World Cup qualifier against Greece. The European champions failed to clinch automatic qualification in the group stage, owing to a heavy defeat to Spain, but they have another opportunity to punch their ticket to Brazil in October and Sarina Wiegman has opted for some high-profile changes ahead of the tie.
Already first-choice centre-forward for club and country by the age of 24, it is the work Russo has done in the three years since that has allowed her to elevate and become truly elite
Spain have been crowned champions of the U-20 Women's World Cup following a tense penalty shoot-out victory over North Korea. After a gruelling goalless draw over 120 minutes, the Spanish side held their nerve from the spot. This triumph cements Spain's absolute dominance in global football, adding to the recent unprecedented successes of their senior men's and women's teams.
The Lionesses star lit up Chelsea's dominant win over Manchester United on Sunday, a sight that the Blues and England will hope can be consistently familiar in what is a huge year
Gianni Infantino is refusing to take a step back from his role as the most powerful man in world football, with FIFA confirming he will proceed with his re-election bid. The 56-year-old remains determined to lead the governing body for another four-year term, even as legal threats and internal revolts continue to mount against his leadership.
World football's governing body have aggressively responded to recent legal threats by accusing their European counterparts of orchestrating a coordinated smear campaign. The bitter legal dispute centres around the controversial and now-abandoned multi-billion investment proposal, which has caused a major political rift between the organisations and their respective presidents.
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