U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team to Compete Without Key Players in Upcoming World Cup

The United States Under-20 Women’s National Team (USWNT) has announced its 21-player roster for the upcoming U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, scheduled to commence on September 9, 2026. However, the team will compete without several notable age-eligible stars, including midfielders Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes, and Kimmi Ascanio, along with defender Jordyn Bugg, a situation that head coach Vicky Jepson described as “upsetting.” Despite these absences, Jepson expressed confidence in the players selected for the tournament.

Among the 21 players named, eight are currently part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Hutton, Ascanio, and Bugg all play in the NWSL, which is currently in its regular season, while Yohannes competes for French club OL Lyonnes. The U20 Women’s World Cup does not fall within FIFA’s official international windows, which mandates clubs to release players for national duties.

“Of course we would love Lily to come and play in this squad as well as Claire, as well as Jordyn,” Jepson stated. “But ultimately, the main focus now is the players who have been released. I think we have enough quality within this squad.” Jepson also commented on the relationship between the federation and NWSL clubs, acknowledging the challenges of player release while emphasizing the overall positive interactions.

Bay FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller stands out on the roster, having frequently captained the U20 team. Jepson highlighted the importance for sidelined players to develop with their clubs, noting, “Some of these players that aren’t released have got high potential of making it to the women’s national team.” She encouraged those players to focus on excelling at their respective clubs in the NWSL.

The U.S. team will open its World Cup campaign against Italy on September 9, followed by matches against Japan and New Zealand. The last time the U.S. secured the U20 Women’s World Cup title was in 2012.

No players from the San Diego Wave are included in the U20 roster, marking a significant absence for Ascanio, who has drawn comparisons to former U.S. great Tobin Heath. In addition, forward Melanie Barcenas is missing from the lineup despite having a breakout season with four goals for the Wave.

U.S. senior team head coach Emma Hayes previously emphasized the U20 World Cup’s critical role in player development, voicing concerns about potential deficiencies in American players’ experiences at the youth level. “When I speak about this subject, I am sending a warning sign that I am worried,” Hayes remarked. “I am massively worried about the direction for and the lack of all of those experiences for American players.”

Despite uncertainties surrounding the tournament due to UEFA’s current stance on FIFA events, the Polish federation confirmed that the U20 Women’s World Cup would proceed as scheduled. Hayes plans to attend the matches in Poland to scout for promising talents, noting that nations like Spain have benefited from valuing youth international competition in their women’s soccer development.

2026 U.S. U20 Women’s World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Caroline Birkel (Stanford; St. Louis, Mo.; 6), Evan O’Steen (Seattle Reign FC; Grapevine, Texas; 2), Kealey Titmuss (Penn State; Grand Blanc, Mich.; 5)
Defenders (7): Aven Alvarez (UNC; New Hill, N.C.; 12/0), Ella Bard (Louisville; Wadsworth, Ohio; 6/0), Lizzie Boamah (Stanford; San Diego, Calif.; 6/0), Pearl Cecil (Virginia; Encinitas, Calif.; 2/0), Emma Johnson (Penn State; Greenfield, Ind.; 9/1), Hope Munson (UNC; Holladay, Utah; 6/0), Katie Scott (Kansas City Current; Fairview, Pa.; 11/1)
Midfielders (6): Kennedy Fuller (Bay FC; Southlake, Texas; 8/2), Lily Joseph (Notre Dame; Hamden, Conn; 2/0), Ainsley McCammon (Seattle Reign FC; Bedford, Texas; 6/0), Y-Lan Nguyen (Stanford; Fairfax, Va.; 5/0), Nyanya Touray (Florida State; Silver Spring, Md.; 4/0), Linda Ullmark (Houston Dash; Buffalo, N.Y.; 7/6)
Forwards (5): Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign FC; Red Oak, Texas; 4/1), Alex Buck (Washington; Medina, Wash.; 6/1), Micayla Johnson (Chicago Stars FC; Troy, Mich; 4/2), Audrey McKeen (Racing Louisville FC; Vienna, Va.; 2/0), Sealey Strawn (UNC; Prosper, Texas; 2/0)

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn