Seattle Reign FC midfielder Ainsley McCammon (16) passes the ball while Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (30) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, on May 1, 2026. (Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Vicky Jepson, head coach of the U.S. U-20 women’s national team, has announced a 21-player roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, set to take place from September 5 to September 27. Among the players selected, eight represent their respective National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams, showcasing the growing talent in American women’s football.
Leading the NWSL contingent are goalkeeper Evan O’Steen (18), midfielder Ainsley McCammon (19), and forward Emeri Adames (20), all hailing from Seattle Reign FC—the only club contributing multiple players. The roster also includes Kansas City Current defender Katie Scott (19), Bay FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller (19), Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (20), Chicago Stars forward Micayla Johnson (18), and Racing Louisville’s Audrey McKeen (17).
Notably absent from the squad are several age-eligible professional talents, including Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton, OL midfielder Lily Yohannes, San Diego Wave players Kimmi Ascanio and Melanie Barcenas, and Seattle Reign defender Jordyn Bugg. Jepson expressed disappointment over these omissions but remains optimistic about the current roster.
In a post-announcement media session, Jepson termed the absences “upsetting,” noting that it highlights the dynamic between club and country. She said, “We’ve had a lot of clubs that have released players, which is fantastic for our relationship with NWSL teams. However, it’s disappointing when a player is eager to represent their nation but is not released; that’s beyond our control.” Jepson underscored the importance of mutual respect between clubs and national teams.
Reflecting on the player development challenges, she stated, “I worked with these players for ten months to prepare them for a World Cup, only to have them not released is disheartening. However, our focus now turns to those who will represent us, and their excitement is palpable.” The team is gearing up for their opening match against Italy on Sunday, September 6, at 12 PM ET, followed by clashes with Japan and New Zealand in the group stage.
Emma Hayes, head coach of the senior national team, emphasized the significance of the tournament not only for the U-20 squad but for the future of American women’s football. Hayes pointed out that other nations have effectively utilized similar competitions to enhance their player development pipelines. She and her coaching staff intend to scout the tournament in Poland, looking to identify emerging talents.
2026 FIFA U.S. Under-20 Women’s World Cup Roster by Position (College or Club; U-20 Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers (3): Caroline Birkel (Stanford; 6), Evan O’Steen (Seattle Reign FC; 2), Kealey Titmuss (Penn State; 5)
Defenders (7): Aven Alvarez (UNC; 12/0), Ella Bard (Louisville; 6/0), Lizzie Boamah (Stanford; 6/0), Pearl Cecil (Virginia; 2/0), Emma Johnson (Penn State; 9/1), Hope Munson (UNC; 6/0), Katie Scott (Kansas City Current; 11/1)
Midfielders (6): Kennedy Fuller (Bay FC; 8/2), Lily Joseph (Notre Dame; 2/0), Ainsley McCammon (Seattle Reign FC; Bedford, Texas; 6/0), Y-Lan Nguyen (Stanford; 5/0), Nyanya Touray (Florida State; 4/0), Linda Ullmark (Houston Dash; 7/6)
Forwards (5): Emeri Adames (Seattle Reign FC; 4/1), Alex Buck (Washington; 6/1), Micayla Johnson (Chicago Stars FC; 4/2), Audrey McKeen (Racing Louisville FC; 2/0), Sealey Strawn (UNC; 2/0)
