New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup Squad 2026: Full Squad, Group D Fixtures and Schedule
New Zealand have announced their 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
OFC U-19 Women’s Championship winners New Zealand will compete in Group D alongside Japan, Italy and the United States.
Head coach Callum Holmes has selected a squad featuring players from clubs and universities in New Zealand, the United States, Australia and Europe.
The Football Ferns will begin their campaign against 2018 champions Japan on September 6 in Łódź.
New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup Squad 2026
Callum Holmes has named 21 players for New Zealand’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign.
Mikaela Bangalan, Wellington Phoenix
Grace Bartlett, Auckland United
Laura Bennett, Melville United
Zoe Benson, Auckland United and Wellington Phoenix
Daisy Brazendale, Unattached
Lily Brazendale, Wellington Phoenix
Penny Brill, Xavier University
Amber de Wit, North Dakota State University
Freya Des Fountain, Wellington Phoenix
Grace Duncan, Washington Women’s Soccer
Charli Dunn, Middle Tennessee State University
Alyssha Eglinton, Wellington Phoenix
Scarlett Gray, Sydney University
Mackenzie Greene, Wellington Phoenix
Nienke Holland, AZ Alkmaar
Emily Lyon, West Coast Rangers
Charley March, Auckland United
Charlotte Mortlock, Northern Tigers
Brooke Neary, Wellington Phoenix
Poppy O’Brien, Colorado State University
Pia Vlok, Wellington Phoenix
New Zealand vs Japan U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Venue: Łódź, Poland
New Zealand will open their Group D campaign against Japan, the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions.
It will be a major early test for Holmes' team as they begin their bid to reach the knockout stage.
New Zealand vs Italy U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Poland
New Zealand will face Italy in their second Group D match.
The result could play an important role in determining the Kiwis' chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
New Zealand vs USA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Venue: Poland
New Zealand will complete the group stage against the United States.
The USA are three-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup champions and will provide another difficult challenge for the New Zealand squad.
New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup History
New Zealand will be aiming to advance beyond the group stage for only the second time in their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup history.
Their best performance came at the 2014 tournament in Canada, where they reached the quarter-finals.
The current squad will now attempt to match or improve that achievement in Poland.
New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Group D
New Zealand
Japan
Italy
United States
The Kiwis face three challenging opponents in Group D. Japan bring championship pedigree, the United States have won the tournament three times, while Italy will also be competing for a place in the knockout rounds.
New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Schedule
New Zealand vs Japan, September 6
New Zealand vs Italy, September 9
New Zealand vs United States, September 12
The three Group D matches will determine whether New Zealand progresses to the knockout stage.
New Zealand U-20 Women’s World Cup Squad Summary
OFC U-19 Women’s Championship winners New Zealand will head to Poland with a 21-player squad led by head coach Callum Holmes.
The Kiwis have been drawn into a challenging Group D with Japan, Italy and the United States.
Their campaign begins against Japan on September 6 before matches against Italy and the USA.
After reaching the quarter-finals in 2014, New Zealand will be targeting another strong performance on the world stage in 2026.
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