10 Female Footballers Set for Breakthrough in 2026
Several young female footballers are poised for major breakthroughs as the 2026 season approaches, showcasing talent from across the globe.
Alara Sehitler, 19, of Bayern Munich in Germany, recently moved up to Bayern's first team and has scored three goals in the Frauen Bundesliga this season. She played a pivotal role in Bayern's comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League and made her Germany debut in November 2024. Sehitler aims to become a regular in qualifying matches for the 2027 World Cup.
Giulia Galli, 17, playing for Roma in Italy, became the club's youngest Serie A debutant in May 2024 at 16 years and one month. She scored her first club goal in September and has appeared in the Champions League. Galli starred for Italy in reaching the Under-17 European Championship semifinals and won bronze at the Under-17 World Cup, with expectations for her to feature further in youth international tournaments.
Fridah Mukoma, 19, from Zambia, joined Kansas City Current in March 2025, although she has yet to feature in games. She signed from Zesco Ndola Girls and was loaned to Beijing Jingtan. Mukoma won the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship golden boot and is regarded as a key player for Zambia's campaign in the 2026 Africa Women's Cup of Nations.
Daniela Galic, 19, an attacking midfielder with Vittsjö in Sweden, scored four goals and provided three assists in 13 Damallsvenskan appearances in 2025. She has yet to debut for Australia's senior Matildas but is part of the Young Matildas and eyes the home Asian Cup in March.
Paula Comendador, 18, playing for Real Madrid and Spain, is a prolific youth scorer. At the 2024 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, she earned a silver medal, golden boot, and silver ball. Since moving to Real Madrid's senior team in July, she is primarily used off the bench and hopes to make her senior Spain debut and secure a spot at the Under-20 World Cup.
Montserrat Saldívar, 19, of Club América in Mexico, debuted at 14 and has over 100 Liga MX Femenil appearances. A key figure in Mexico’s youth teams, she helped the country reach the Round of 16 at the 2024 Under-20 World Cup and scored eight goals in winning silver at the 2024 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship.
Wassa Sangaré, 19, a French international on loan to London City Lionesses from Olympique Lyonnais, is a central defender with nine consecutive Women's Super League starts. Part of France's youth teams that won the 2023 Under-17 Euros and reached the 2024 Under-19 semifinals, she made her senior France debut in the Nations League third-place match.
Kaylee Hunter, 17, star of Canada's NSL 2025 with AFC Toronto, led her team to the Supporters’ Shield by scoring 14 goals and earning rookie of the year honors. She received her first Canada call-up in October but has yet to debut.
Lucia Kendall, 21, who rose rapidly after moving from Southampton to Aston Villa, made her England debut in October 2025 and scored her first goal against Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium. She is expected to be a key player in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Trinity Armstrong, 18, a center-back with San Diego Wave in the NWSL, had a strong debut season with 23 regular-season appearances and one goal. With USA youth World Cup experience at Under-15 and Under-17 levels, she is on coach Emma Hayes’s radar for the senior national squad.
These young players represent the emerging talent set to impact women's football internationally in 2026 and beyond.
