Six breakout stars from the 2026 Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland
Six young players have emerged as breakout stars at the 2026 Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland as the tournament moves into its knockout phase, with performances in the group stage prompting attention for a potential step up to senior international football next year.
The competition in Poland produced a number of standout displays across the group phase, and this selection highlights six players who have combined goals, assists and influential moments for club and country during the early rounds of the tournament.
Celia Segura has continued a rich youth international trajectory for Spain after winning silver at the Under-17 World Cup two years ago and collecting the Bronze Ball and Bronze Boot at that tournament; the 19-year-old Barcelona academy product scored four goals against New Caledonia and provided a back-heel assist to set up Pau Comendador against China. Segura made her senior debut in February and, according to the report, will return to Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan once the tournament finishes.
Annika Paz, 17, has impressed for Argentina and Inter, having scored four goals against Benin and the opener in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Mexico that sent them through; she had already made her senior debut in 2025 and marked that first cap with a goal against Uruguay, becoming Argentina’s youngest ever goalscorer. Paz progressed from the River Plate pathway to the senior team and moved to Europe in January to join Inter.
Rachel Maltby has contributed four goals and an assist for England at this tournament after a breakthrough season with Aston Villa last year; the 19-year-old is in her second youth World Cup and has alternated between her established full-back role and a left wing position while taking three penalties with either foot. Annabelle Chukwu has been a decisive impact substitute for Canada, scoring the opener in their 1-1 draw with England and adding two goals in a 6-0 win over Tanzania; the 19-year-old represents the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and holds a youth tally of 28 goals in 34 appearances for Canada’s age-group teams, having made her senior debut in June.
Huang Jiaxin has stood out for China as a centre-back who also contributes goals, producing a 12-minute hat-trick against New Caledonia and showing pace when moving upfield; her manager Wang Jun told Fifa: "She has own characteristics," he said. "In the future, I hope that she can play in Europe and bring her skills to the senior national team." Evelin, 18, has impressed for Brazil and Santos with two near-identical finishes against Tanzania and two assists as Brazil advanced to the last 16; she was part of the Brazil side that finished fourth at last year’s Under-17 World Cup and made her senior debut in April 2026.
The tournament now progresses into its knockout phase in Poland, where these players will be tested in last-16 ties and beyond as teams compete for progression to the later rounds.