From Sehitler to Armstrong: 10 Female Footballers Set for Breakthrough in 2026
Ten young female footballers are poised for significant breakthroughs in 2026, showcasing emerging talent across Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia.
Alara Sehitler, 19, of Bayern Munich and Germany, has established herself in Bayern’s first team with three Frauen Bundesliga goals and was instrumental in Bayern’s comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League. She made her Germany debut in November 2024 and aims to secure a regular spot for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Giulia Galli, 17, playing for Roma in Italy, became the club’s youngest Serie A debutant in May 2024. Now part of the senior squad, she scored her first club goal in September and has appeared in the Champions League. She earned the bronze boot at the U17 World Cup and is likely to feature at the U20 World Cup.
Fridah Mukoma, 19, currently with Kansas City Current in the NWSL, joined in March 2025 but is yet to make her debut. Previously with Zesco Ndola Girls and on loan at Beijing Jingtan, Mukoma won the golden boot at the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship for Zambia.
Daniela Galic, 19, an attacking midfielder with Vittsjö in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, recorded four goals and three assists in 13 late-2025 appearances. She aims to earn a place in Australia’s Matildas squad for the home Asian Cup in March 2026.
Paula Comendador, 18, recently moved to Real Madrid’s senior women’s team after a prolific youth career with Spain’s U17 and U19 teams, including a silver medal, golden boot, and silver ball at the 2024 U17 World Cup. She is targeting experience at the U20 World Cup and a senior Spain debut.
Montserrat Saldívar, 19, has been a key figure for Club América in Mexico since debuting at 14, amassing over 100 appearances. She scored eight goals in Mexico’s 2024 U-20 World Cup silver-medal campaign and made her senior debut in October 2024. The next 12 months are crucial as she vies for a spot in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Wassa Sangaré, 19, on loan at London City Lionesses from OL Lyons in France, has made a strong start in the Women’s Super League with nine consecutive league starts. She earned her senior France debut in the Nations League third-place playoff against Sweden in December 2025.
Kaylee Hunter, 17, playing for AFC Toronto in Canada’s NSL, finished 2025 as the league’s second-top scorer with 14 goals and earned rookie of the year honors. She received her first Canada senior team call-up in October 2025.
Lucia Kendall, 21, rose rapidly after moving from Southampton to Aston Villa in England. A midfield standout, she debuted for England in October 2025 against Australia and scored her first goal versus Ghana. Kendall is set to feature prominently in World Cup qualifying plans.
Trinity Armstrong, 18, had a strong debut NWSL season with San Diego Wave, making 23 regular-season appearances and scoring once. A U.S. youth international, she is considered a future senior national team option by coach Emma Hayes.
These players represent the next generation of female football talent, with 2026 shaping as a breakthrough year for their international and club careers.
