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GIRLACTICO Team Of The Week: WSL Opening Weekend
The WSL is officially back, and if the opening weekend is anything to go by, we’re in for one ride of a season.
From debut goals to record-breaking passing numbers, Golden Boot contenders picking up where they left off and goalkeepers keeping their teams alive, here’s our first Girlactico Team of the Week of the 2026/27 season.
Akane Okuma - Aston Villa
A debut to remember. At just 21, Okuma stepped into the WSL and immediately showed exactly why there’s so much excitement around her. Her saves were crucial in keeping Villa in the game and earning her side a point, plus a debut Player of the Match award which feels like a pretty good way to introduce yourself to the league.
Leah Williamson - Arsenal
There’s still plenty of work to do as Arsenal’s new-look backline settles, particularly with Ona Batlle now alongside Steph Catley on the left. That chemistry is going to take time, especially with Catley and Batlle having had limited time together due to their respective rehab periods. But against a Brighton side who were dangerous on the counter, Williamson was the standout, looking composed and commanded the backline well.
Grace Fisk - Liverpool
Two goals, from a defender, on the opening weekend… Fisk was one of the standout performers in Liverpool’s dominant 4-0 win over newly promoted Charlton, finding the net twice while also holding an impressive passing completion rate. Not a bad way to start the season!
Lucia Corrales - London City Lionesses
A scary ending shouldn’t overshadow what was a seriously impressive showing from Corrales. The defender was forced off late on after suffering a rib injury, but thankfully reassured fans afterwards that everything was okay and that she is recovering. The team here at GIRLACTICO are sending our wishes for a speedy return.
Lauren Hemp - Manchester City
On her 200th WSL appearance, Hemp proves once again how integral she is to the Manchester City side. In the 3-1 victory over Birmingham City, Hemp created 7 chances on goal - the highest across all WSL players this weekend - and alongside Bunny Shaw, the duo are unstoppable.
Georgia Stanway - Arsenal
Welcome back to the WSL, Georgia Stanway.
Making her Arsenal debut, Stanway immediately looked like she had never left the league. She was named Player of the Match after dictating the game from midfield, and completed 114 passes, becoming the first midfielder in WSL history to record 100+ passes on their league debut for a club.
Yui Hasegawa - Manchester City
Some things simply don't change. Hasegawa remains a staple of any Team of the Week conversation.
City dominated possession for long periods against Birmingham and, as ever, Hasegawa was at the heart of everything. Calm, intelligent and almost impossible to press off the ball; another classic Hasegawa performance.
Vivien Endemann - Liverpool
Endemann marked her Liverpool and WSL debut with a goal and Player of the Match as the Reds put four past newly promoted Charlton. Exactly the kind of start you want when arriving at a new club, and one that suggests she could be a very fun player to watch this season.
Lauren James - Chelsea
Lauren James is looking in frightening form. A goal, another dangerous performance and the kind of player that makes you wonder just how much damage LJ could do if she gets a consistent run. Chelsea may have drawn with Aston Villa, but James looked every bit like a player ready to make a statement this season.
Kirsty Hanson - Tottenham Hotspur
All eyes were on Hanson after her move to Tottenham, and she wasted absolutely no time answering them.
Two goals on her debut against West Ham, a Player of the Match performance and an instant place near the top of the Golden Boot race. After being so influential for Aston Villa last season, Spurs fans already have plenty to be excited about.
Bunny Shaw - Manchester City
Was there ever any doubt? Two goals on the opening weekend, another Golden Boot campaign already underway and Shaw continues to be the striker you simply have to have in your fantasy team. She's become the definition of a guaranteed goal threat, and her latest brace was the perfect reminder of why.
If you're not putting Bunny Shaw in your fantasy team, what exactly are you doing?
The Verdict
A weekend of debuts, comebacks, records and big statements, and somehow, we're only one matchweek in.
If this is the standard for the rest of the season, we are sat!
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