The Guardian highlights breakout performers from the 2026 Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland as the tournament reaches its knockout stage, identifying young players who have impressed in the group phase and could progress to senior international football, including next year's senior World Cup.

– Celia Segura (Spain/Barcelona), 19, scored four against New Caledonia and provided a standout assist; already a senior Spain debutant, she joins Atlético Madrid on loan after the tournament.
– Annika Paz (Argentina/Inter), 17, Argentina's youngest ever senior goalscorer, netted four against Benin and the winner against Mexico.
– Rachel Maltby (England/Aston Villa), 19, contributed four goals and an assist to help England reach the last 16, showing versatility across full-back and left wing.
– Annabelle Chukwu (Canada/Notre Dame), 19, scored off the bench against England and twice against Tanzania, holding Canada's youth-team scoring record.
– Huang Jiaxin (China/Shanghai Shengli), a centre-back who scored a 12-minute hat-trick against New Caledonia, praised by her manager for her versatility.