Ten talented young female footballers are poised for breakthroughs as they prepare to take the women's game by storm in 2026.
Among them, Alara Sehitler is making a significant impact at Bayern Munich and for Germany. The 19-year-old creative midfielder has already established herself as a key player, notching three Frauen Bundesliga goals this season and helping her side come back from behind to beat Arsenal in the Champions League.
Giulia Galli, another 17-year-old sensation, is also on the radar. This Italian forward made history when she became Roma's youngest player to make her Serie A debut at just 16 years old. With a promising youth career already under her belt, Galli will be hoping to build on that success as she takes on more responsibility for Italy in the coming months.
Fridah Mukoma is another exciting young talent from Zambia who has been making waves since joining Kansas City Current. The 19-year-old striker won the golden boot at the 2024 Cosafa Women's Championship and will be looking to replicate her form in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Paula Comendador, a 18-year-old forward from Spain, is one of the most prolific goalscorers in youth football. Her impressive performances for both Real Madrid and Spain at under-17 and under-19 level have earned her a silver medal, golden boot and silver ball at the 2024 Under-17 Women's World Cup.
Montserrat Saldívar is also generating buzz after breaking into Club América's starting XI as a teenager. This Mexican winger has played an integral role in Mexico's recent youth successes, including a round of 16 finish at the 2024 Under-20 World Cup.
Wassa Sangaré, a young French international, has quickly established herself as a key player for London City Lionesses. The 19-year-old central defender made her senior debut in the Nations League third-place playoff victory over Sweden and will surely be looking to build on that success at the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The next generation of talent is also starting to make their mark, with Kaylee Hunter being one of the leading lights for Canada's Northern Super League. The 17-year-old forward has been named rookie of the year after helping her team win the inaugural NSL Supporters' Shield and reaching the final.
Finally, Lucia Kendall is an exciting young prospect from England who has found herself propelled into the spotlight at Aston Villa and the Women's Super League. After scoring her first goal for England against Ghana, Kendall will surely play an integral role in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as she looks to cement her place in the setup.
Trinity Armstrong rounds out the list, with her impressive debut season in the NWSL making her a player on Emma Hayes's radar for potential call-ups to the senior team.
Among them, Alara Sehitler is making a significant impact at Bayern Munich and for Germany. The 19-year-old creative midfielder has already established herself as a key player, notching three Frauen Bundesliga goals this season and helping her side come back from behind to beat Arsenal in the Champions League.
Giulia Galli, another 17-year-old sensation, is also on the radar. This Italian forward made history when she became Roma's youngest player to make her Serie A debut at just 16 years old. With a promising youth career already under her belt, Galli will be hoping to build on that success as she takes on more responsibility for Italy in the coming months.
Fridah Mukoma is another exciting young talent from Zambia who has been making waves since joining Kansas City Current. The 19-year-old striker won the golden boot at the 2024 Cosafa Women's Championship and will be looking to replicate her form in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Paula Comendador, a 18-year-old forward from Spain, is one of the most prolific goalscorers in youth football. Her impressive performances for both Real Madrid and Spain at under-17 and under-19 level have earned her a silver medal, golden boot and silver ball at the 2024 Under-17 Women's World Cup.
Montserrat Saldívar is also generating buzz after breaking into Club América's starting XI as a teenager. This Mexican winger has played an integral role in Mexico's recent youth successes, including a round of 16 finish at the 2024 Under-20 World Cup.
Wassa Sangaré, a young French international, has quickly established herself as a key player for London City Lionesses. The 19-year-old central defender made her senior debut in the Nations League third-place playoff victory over Sweden and will surely be looking to build on that success at the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The next generation of talent is also starting to make their mark, with Kaylee Hunter being one of the leading lights for Canada's Northern Super League. The 17-year-old forward has been named rookie of the year after helping her team win the inaugural NSL Supporters' Shield and reaching the final.
Finally, Lucia Kendall is an exciting young prospect from England who has found herself propelled into the spotlight at Aston Villa and the Women's Super League. After scoring her first goal for England against Ghana, Kendall will surely play an integral role in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as she looks to cement her place in the setup.
Trinity Armstrong rounds out the list, with her impressive debut season in the NWSL making her a player on Emma Hayes's radar for potential call-ups to the senior team.