U-20 Women’s World Cup: key players to watch

The Colombian cities of Bogota, Cali and Medellin will take centre stage as the newly expanded, 24-team, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup rolls into Colombia in August and September.

Just Iike any other tournament, the U-20 Women’s World Cup is the perfect place for the best players to showcase their talent to the world. It is the biggest stage, the place for the players to make a name and valuable price tags for themselves.

And when the whistle blows in Bogota on August 31st, to kickstart the tournament, these are some names to look out for.

1. Linda Caicedo – Colombia

The Colombian teenager has already represented her country at the South American U-17 Women’s Championship, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022, the Copa America Femenina, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but it was Her goal against Germany that really cemented her name as one of the best teenagers in Women’s Football, and in Colombia, she’d have the mantle to lead her nation.

2. Olivia Smith – Canada

is also a player to look out for. The Versatile attacker and midfielder signed for Liverpool FC Women in July 2024 after an impressive campaign with Sporting CP where She scored 13 goals and produced 9 assists in 18 league appearances.

At just 15 years and 94 days, Smith was made her country’s youngest-ever player in November 2019, she also featured in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup and walked away from the tournament with 2 goals and winning the Young Best Player award. She’s set the tone for an impressive career and the World Cup will give her an avenue to show the world what she’s capable of.

3. Sandra Villafane – Spain

The young midfielder has developed into one of the best central midfielders in Europe and a regular starter for her club. Her robust defensive presence sometimes enables her to even play in the back four and with 25 games played last season, she’ll be a force to handle in Colombia. Already likened to Bonmati, Spain would hope the defence-splitting passes of Villafane would help propel Spain to defend their trophy.

4. Maiara Niehues – Brazil

A midfield maestro, the Sporting CP midfielder who clocked 20 years just in August has been exceptional since her move to Europe three seasons ago.

Her ability to sense danger has already made her a starter for both club and country and with 3 goals in 13 appearances for Sporting CP last season, she’ll be Brazil’s source of inspiration when the going gets tough in Colombia.

5. Ally Sentnor- USA

With 16 caps and 9 goals already for the US U20 women’s nation team, Ally Sentnor has already proven to be one of the best young centre forwards in the world. The Utah Royals’ number nine aerial threat has got her likened to the greatest goal scorer ever; Abby Wambach by fans and legends of the game. With a stellar season with Utah Royals, she is expected to lead the USA’s attack. Colombia will prove a tough test for the striker but with her experience, she’d be one of the stars to watch.

Many other players will be instrumental in determining their teams’ success in the World Cup but these names may be the stars of the tournament.

Keep an eye on them as the tournament unfolds.