From Segura to Maltby: six breakout stars from the Women’s Under-20 World Cup

From left: Rachel Maltby, Annika Paz and Celia Segura.

Composite: Guardian Picture Desk From left: Rachel Maltby, Annika Paz and Celia Segura.

Composite: Guardian Picture Desk From Segura to Maltby: six breakout stars from the Women’s Under-20 World Cup With an incredible array of talent on show we select half a dozen players who could make the step up to the senior World Cup next year The 2026 Under-20 Women’s World Cup is entering the knockout stage in Poland and, after an intriguing group stage, we pick some of the young stars who have stood out.

Celia Segura (Spain and Barcelona)Segura is no stranger to knockout football having helped Spain to silver at the Under-17 World Cup two years ago and finishing with the Bronze Ball and Bronze Boot.

She has picked up the mantleagain as La Roja eased through their group.

Her four goals against New Caledonia were an illustration of her pure scoring instinct and she has also played a key role with her high technical skills and instinctive ability to both make space for and find her teammates.

Her back-heel assist to set up Pau Comendador against China was a memorable one.

A product of the Barcelona academy, the 19-year-old forward made her debut for the senior side back in February and will return to Atlético Madrid for a season-long loan at the conclusion of this tournament.

Annika Paz (Argentina and Inter)Paz has taken this tournament by storm with performances that have shown a maturity beyond her 17 years.

She is one of a few stars in Poland who have already made their debut for their senior national team – she marked her first cap with a goal against Uruguay in 2025, becoming Argentina’s youngest ever goalscorer.

Paz netted four goals against Benin here in Poland before also scoring the opener in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico to send them through.

Her pace, movement off the ball and finishing are exceptional, alongside her composure in front of goal.

Having progressed from the River Plate pathway to the senior team, Paz made her move to Europe back in January to join Inter.

Rachel Maltby (England and Aston Villa)After a breakthrough campaign with Aston Villa last season and now a second youth World Cup with England, it has been a memorable year for Maltby.

With her four goals and an assist, the 19-year-old has played a crucial role here in England’s progress to the last 16.

As she did at the under-17 edition of the tournament back in 2024, the 19-year-old has caught the eye with her assured, attacking performances down England’s left.

Full of energy, composure and with an instinctive ability to time her runs into the box, she has displayed her versatility in switching between her more established full-back role and left wing with ease.

Her three penalties, which she can take with either foot, are further examples of how mature she has become over the past 12 months.

Annabelle Chukwu (Canada and Notre Dame Fighting Irish)There is plenty of excitement in Canada around this young forward.

Chukwu changed the game from the bench with the opening goal in their 1-1 draw with England and then added two more in their 6-0 routing of Tanzania to send her side through to the knockout stage.

Pacy and clinical, her direct transitional threat is second-to-none.

Currently at university, the 19-year-old has excelled playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and through the national youth pathways.

Earning her name as a prolific goalscorer – she broke the record for most goals scored for Canada’s youth teams with 28 in 34 appearances – she received her first senior debut back in June and surely has her focus set on being part of Casey Stoney’s side at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Annabelle Chukwu of Canada.

Her acceleration up the field and 12-minute hat-trick against New Caledonia illustrated not only her willingness to support her side further up the pitch but also her qualities as an instinctive finisher in front of goal.

Her manager, Wang Jun, emphasised this versatility in an interview with Fifa.

“She has own characteristics,” he said.

“In the future, I hope that she can play in Europe and bring her skills to the senior national team.” At 20, that prospect is not far away, particularly with a World Cup for China on the horizon.

Evelin (Brazil and Santos) Given Brazil’s performances so far in this tournament and with a home senior World Cup to come, it would have been a terrible decision not to include a Brazilian in this list.

While there have been quite a few to choose from, 18-year-old Evelin has particularly impressed.

She might be small in stature but there is nothing little about her game with her innate natural ability, energy and eye for a finish.

She kicked off the tournament with two almost identical finishes against Tanzania and has also registered two assists to help her team cruise through to the last 16.

Domestically, she came up through the ranks at Santos where she has progressed into the senior setup.

She was part of the Brazil team that finished fourth at last year’s Under-17 World Cup and made her senior debut in April 2026. skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email moving.goalposts@theguardian.com.

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