As the 2026 Women's Under-20 World Cup moves into its knockout phase in Poland, a group stage packed with talent has produced a handful of young players whose performances suggest bright futures ahead. From clinical finishers to versatile defenders-turned-scorers, here are six breakout names who have caught the eye.
Spain's Celia Segura arrives with pedigree, having already tasted knockout football at the Under-17 World Cup, where she claimed both the Bronze Ball and Bronze Boot as her side finished runners-up. The 19-year-old Barcelona academy product has continued that trajectory in Poland, scoring four times in a rout of New Caledonia and showcasing sharp technical ability throughout the group stage. Beyond her goal threat, Segura has shown a gift for creating chances, including a delightful back-heel assist that teed up Pau Comendador against China. Having already debuted for Spain's senior team in February, she is set to join Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan once the tournament concludes.
Argentina's Annika Paz, just 17, has been one of the tournament's standout performers. She already holds the distinction of being Argentina's youngest-ever goalscorer, a record set during her senior debut against Uruguay in 2025. In Poland, Paz scored four goals against Benin and struck the opener in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico that carried her side into the knockout rounds. Her blend of pace, off-the-ball movement and composed finishing has marked her as one to watch, particularly since her January move to Inter after coming through River Plate's youth pathway.
England's Rachel Maltby has enjoyed a standout year, following up a breakout senior season at Aston Villa with an impressive second youth World Cup appearance. The 19-year-old has contributed four goals and an assist as England advanced to the last 16, continuing the promise she showed at the 2024 Under-17 tournament. Comfortable operating either at full-back or on the left wing, Maltby has demonstrated maturity in big moments, converting three penalties with either foot during the competition.
Canada's Annabelle Chukwu has emerged as a major talent, scoring the opening goal off the bench in a 1-1 draw with England before adding two more in a 6-0 demolition of Tanzania that sealed her side's knockout spot. The 19-year-old, currently starring for Notre Dame in US college football, holds the record for most goals scored across Canada's youth national teams, with 28 in 34 appearances. Having made her senior international debut in June, Chukwu appears on course to feature for Casey Stoney's squad at next summer's World Cup in Brazil.
China's Huang Jiaxin has impressed both defensively and offensively from her centre-back position, highlighted by a remarkable 12-minute hat-trick against New Caledonia. Her manager, Wang Jun, praised her unique qualities in comments to FIFA: "She has own characteristics. In the future, I hope that she can play in Europe and bring her skills to the senior national team." At 20, a step up to China's senior side and a future World Cup appearance look increasingly likely.
Finally, Brazil's Evelin, only 18, has been a key figure as the hosts of next year's senior World Cup impressed throughout the group stage. The Santos forward opened her tournament with two near-identical goals against Tanzania and has added two assists as Brazil advanced comfortably. Evelin was part of the squad that finished fourth at last year's Under-17 World Cup and made her senior debut in April 2026.
With the knockout stage now underway, these six players will look to build on strong group-stage form as their teams chase a place in the latter stages of the tournament.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.