Trelissac Panoramica

Malawi the big surprise

Ten NWSL players, including Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, headline WAFCON, with continental glory and 2027 World Cup qualification at stake.

Alessia Russo is one of 11 Lionesses on the list of nominees for this year's FIFPRO XI, which also includes seven players from the Spain side England beat in the European Championship final - albeit not Mariona Caldentey, who put La Roja ahead in that game and finished as runner-up to Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d'Or. That's not the only surprise, either, with Mary Earps included and there no representation for the United States women's national team.

South Africa kept their WAFCON title defence alive with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Lionesses of Teranga in Morocco on Saturday.