2026 USWNT U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster: Full Squad, Players and Schedule

United States U-20 women’s national team manager Vicky Jepson has selected a balanced 21-player squad of professional and college talent for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.Eight players currently on NWSL rosters headline the group, joined by 13 college athletes.

The tournament begins on September 5, with the United States opening against Italy on September 6 before facing Japan and New Zealand.“This group wears the crest with honor, and we’re excited to see what they can accomplish together,” Jepson said. “They all have tremendous pride in earning this opportunity to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage for their age group. We really want to thank the NWSL clubs and the colleges for their collaboration in releasing their players for this tournament as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many of them.”

2026 USWNT U-20 Women’s World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers

Caroline Birkel, Stanford, St. Louis, Missouri, 6 caps

Evan O’Steen, Seattle Reign FC, Grapevine, Texas, 2 caps

Kealey Titmuss, Penn State, Grand Blanc, Michigan, 5 caps

Defenders

Aven Alvarez, UNC, New Hill, North Carolina, 12 caps

Ella Bard, Louisville, Wadsworth, Ohio, 6 caps

Lizzie Boamah, Stanford, San Diego, California, 6 caps

Pearl Cecil, Virginia, Encinitas, California, 2 caps

Emma Johnson, Penn State, Greenfield, Indiana, 9 caps, 1 goal

Hope Munson, UNC, Holladay, Utah, 6 caps

Katie Scott, Kansas City Current, Fairview, Pennsylvania, 11 caps, 1 goal

Midfielders

Kennedy Fuller, Bay FC, Southlake, Texas, 8 caps, 2 goals

Lily Joseph, Notre Dame, Hamden, Connecticut, 2 caps

Ainsley McCammon, Seattle Reign FC, Bedford, Texas, 6 caps

Y-Lan Nguyen, Stanford, Fairfax, Virginia, 5 caps

Nyanya Touray, Florida State, Silver Spring, Maryland, 4 caps

Linda Ullmark, Houston Dash, Buffalo, New York, 7 caps, 6 goals

Forwards

Emeri Adames, Seattle Reign FC, Red Oak, Texas, 4 caps, 1 goal

Alex Buck, Washington, Medina, Washington, 6 caps, 1 goal

Micayla Johnson, Chicago Stars FC, Troy, Michigan, 4 caps, 2 goals

Audrey McKeen, Racing Louisville FC, Vienna, Virginia, 2 caps

Sealey Strawn, UNC, Prosper, Texas, 2 caps

NWSL Players Lead the U-20 Squad

The roster includes eight players currently with NWSL clubs, giving the team valuable professional experience.

Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark has recorded the most professional minutes among the players selected. She has made 19 starts this season, contributing two goals and three assists.

Bay FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller has played 1,382 NWSL minutes, while Seattle Reign midfielder Ainsley McCammon has recorded 1,165 minutes across 16 matches.

Seattle Reign also contributes goalkeeper Evan O’Steen and forward Emeri Adames to the squad.

Returning USWNT U-20 World Cup Experience

Emeri Adames and goalkeeper Caroline Birkel return after representing the United States at the previous U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where the Americans finished third.

Their experience could be valuable as the United States attempts to make another deep tournament run.

U-17 Players Move Up to the U-20 Team

Four players from the United States team that competed at last year’s U-17 Women’s World Cup have moved into the U-20 setup.

They are Evan O’Steen, Pearl Cecil, Nyanya Touray and Micayla Johnson.

The U.S. U-17 team was eliminated on penalties in the round of 16 at that tournament.

Vicky Jepson Highlights Squad Unity

Head coach Vicky Jepson praised the players selected for the tournament and highlighted their pride in representing the United States.

She also thanked NWSL clubs and colleges for helping release players for the competition.

The tournament provides an important opportunity for the players to gain international experience against some of the world's strongest youth teams.

Emma Hayes Highlights Importance of U-20 Level

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has also emphasized the importance of the U-20 level in the development pathway for young American players.

The U-20 World Cup provides players with a major international platform as they work toward the senior national team.

Several current USWNT players have progressed through the youth national-team system, making the tournament an important stage for the next generation.

2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup Group Stage

The United States begins its tournament campaign against Italy on September 6.

The Americans will then face Japan and New Zealand during the Group Stage.

The tournament officially begins September 5 in Poland.

2026 USWNT U-20 World Cup Roster Summary

Vicky Jepson’s 21-player squad combines NWSL experience with college talent. The roster includes eight professional players and 13 college athletes.

Players returning from the previous U-20 World Cup, along with graduates of the U-17 program, give the United States a mix of experience and emerging talent.

The U.S. will begin its 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign against Italy on September 6 before meeting Japan and New Zealand in Group play.

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