From Sehitler to Armstrong: 10 female footballers set for breakthrough in 2026 | OneFootball

Alara Sehitler, Bayern Munich and Germany (19): Sehitler’s transition into Bayern Munich’s first team has come as little surprise and the creative midfielder has established herself as a strong impact player for José Barcala’s side. She has three Frauen Bundesliga goals this season and sparked Bayern’s comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League. After making her senior debut for Germany in November 2024, she will be looking to establish herself as a regular for their upcoming 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

Giulia Galli, Roma and Italy (17): Galli is widely regarded as one of the best young Italian talents to emerge for a long time and became Roma’s youngest player to make her Serie A debut in May 2024, aged 16 and one month. Establishing herself in the senior squad this season, she scored her first club goal in September and has featured in the Champions League. After starring in Italy’s sensational run to the semi-finals of last summer’s Under-17 Euros, the talented forward played a significant role at the subsequent Under-17 World Cup, picking up the bronze boot. She will surely feature at this autumn’s Under-20 World Cup.

Fridah Mukoma, Kansas City Current and Zambia (19): Mukoma is yet to feature for Kansas City Current since joining in March but she is one of the latest exciting Zambian talents. She signed for the National Women’s Soccer League club for an undisclosed fee from Zesco Ndola Girls before heading to Beijing Jingtan on loan. The striker made an immediate impact after making her debut at international level, winning the golden boot as Zambia won the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship (southern Africa’s regional tournament) and will be one to watch at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Daniela Galic, Vittsjö and Australia (19): Galic is an attacking midfielder who has shown plenty of potential. Currently playing in Sweden at Vittsjö, she made her mark on the second half of the 2025 Damallsvenskan season, immediately becoming a regular starter and registering four goals and three assists in 13 appearances. She has yet to make an appearance for Joe Montemurro’s Matildas but, with a successful Young Matildas career under her belt, she will have one eye on trying to force her way into the squad for a home Asian Cup this March.

Paula Comendador, Real Madrid and Spain (18): Comendador has consistently been one of the most prolific goalscorers in youth football. Her exploits with Spain at both under-17 and under-19 level – including a silver medal, golden boot and silver ball at the 2024 Under-17 Women’s World Cup – are an indication of the depth of her talent. She moved up to the Real Madrid senior team in July and has predominantly featured from the bench this season. She should add to her experience with an Under-20 World Cup later this year and a senior debut for La Roja will surely not be too far away.

Montserrat Saldívar, Club América and Mexico (19): There is a strong argument to say that Saldívar has already broken out in Mexico. Since making her debut for Club América at 14, she has racked up more than 100 appearances for the Liga MX Femenil side. The winger has played an integral role in Mexico’s recent progress at youth level, ever-present in their run to the round of 16 at the 2024 Under-20 World Cup and scoring eight goals as they secured the silver medal at last summer’s Concacaf Under-20 Championship. Her senior debut came in October 2024 and with the opportunity to play in another Under-20 World Cup and first Concacaf Women’s Championship, where qualification for the 2027 World Cup is up for grabs, the next 12 months could prove even more significant.

Wassa Sangaré, London City Lionesses and France (19): Sangaré’s bright start to life in the Women’s Super League has certainly been noticed after the young French international joined London City Lionesses on loan from OL Lyonnes. The talented central defender has adjusted well to the demands of the top English league, establishing her place with nine consecutive league starts. Her success at youth level for France – winning the 2023 Under-17 Euros and reaching the semi-finals of the under-19 tournament the subsequent year – led to her making her senior debut in the Nations League third-place playoff victory over Sweden in early December.

Kaylee Hunter, AFC Toronto and Canada (17): The launch of Canada’s Northern Super League in 2025 allowed the spotlight to be shone on some of Canada’s emerging talents. One of the leading lights is Hunter, who was at the heart of AFC Toronto’s success in winning the inaugural NSL Supporters’ Shield, for topping the regular-season table, and reaching the final. A talented forward, she finished second-top scorer with 14 goals and was named rookie of the year. Her performances caught the eye of Canada’s head coach, Casey Stoney, and she received her first call-up in October but is yet to make her debut.

Lucia Kendall, Aston Villa and England (21): It has been a whirlwind three months for Kendall, who has found herself propelled into the spotlight at the highest level. After making the move from Southampton to Aston Villa and the WSL, her impressive performances at the heart of midfield caught the eye of Sarina Wiegman. A debut followed in the Lionesses’ victory over Australia back in October where she put in a player-of-the-match performance. In the following camp, she scored her first England goal against Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium, the home of her childhood club, where she had played for a decade. Kendall will surely play an integral role in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as she looks to cement her role within the setup.

Trinity Armstrong, San Diego Wave and USA (18): Armstrong’s debut season in the NWSL could not have gone much better. The centre-back established herself as a mainstay in Jonas Eidevall’s San Diego Wave side as they made a run for the playoffs. Mature beyond her years, she made 23 regular-season appearances and scored one goal. She has represented the USA from under-15 level and was ever-present in their third-place finish at the 2024 Under-17 World Cup. Her performances will have no doubt put her on Emma Hayes’s radar as she continues to bring young players into the senior fold.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email moving.goalposts@theguardian.com.

Header image: [Composite: Getty Images]