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The world of women's soccer is constantly changing, with fresh players set to leave an impression on the global scene. Here is a look at ten up-and-coming players that are ones to watch as 2026 draws near.

Sehitler's Ascent

The talented playmaker effortlessly transitioned into Bayern Munich's senior side. To date, she has proven to be a valuable influential figure for the club, netting three German league goals this campaign. Her displays were key in a important European fightback against Arsenal. Following her senior first appearance for the national team in late 2024, she hopes to cement a permanent role in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Giulia Galli

Considered one of one of the Italian most promising youthful talents in a generation, Galli set a record by becoming Roma's most youthful top-flight player at just 16. Now ingrained in the first team, she has already bagged her maiden club strike and featured in the Champions League. After excelling for Italy at the Under-17 Euros, where she picked up the third-top scorer award at the following global tournament, she is sure to feature at the forthcoming Under-20 World Cup.

Fridah Mukoma

While yet to make an appearance for her new club, Kansas City Current, Mukoma is viewed as one of the most recent thrilling talents to come through from the African nation. The forward had an instant effect at the national team level, securing the top scorer award as her country won the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship. All attention will be on her at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Galic's Swedish Sojourn

This attacking midfielder is presently plying her trade in the Swedish league with Vittsjö. During the latter part of the 2025 Damallsvenskan season, she quickly established herself as a first-team fixture, registering four strikes and three assists in thirteen appearances. Boasting a successful youth background behind her, she will have one eye on pushing for a place into the senior Australian squad for the domestic Asian Cup.

Spain's Prolific Teenager

Consistently one of the most prolific scorers in youth soccer, Comendador's achievements for Spain at various junior levels speak volumes to her deep talent. Her accolades include a runner-up finish, golden boot, and silver ball at the global youth championship. After moved up to the Spanish giant's senior team in the summer, she has predominantly been used from the substitutes this season. More exposure at the youth world championship lies ahead, and a full debut for Spain seems inevitable.

Saldívar's Early Experience

There is a case that Saldívar has long made her breakthrough in Mexico. After making her first appearance for her club at the tender age of fourteen, she has accumulated more than a century of appearances. The winger has been crucial to her nation's youth advancement, ever-present in their journey to the round of 16 of the youth world cup and scoring eight goals as they secured silver at the regional youth tournament. With another Under-20 World Cup and her first senior regional championship on the agenda, the coming year are poised to be extremely important.

Wassa Sangaré

Sangaré's bright start to life in the Women’s Super League has definitely garnered attention. The skilled central defender has adapted well to the demands of the league, securing her place with nine consecutive straight starts. Her achievements at youth level for France paved the way for a full international debut in a competitive bronze medal match win in early December.

Kaylee Hunter

The inauguration of Canada's new league provided a platform for homegrown talents to showcase their skills. Hunter emerged as one of the standout performers, playing a key part in her team's success in securing the inaugural Supporters’ Shield. The prolific attacker finished as the second-top goalscorer with fourteen strikes and was awarded rookie of the year. These displays earned her a maiden senior international call-up.

Lucia Kendall

The past three months have been a meteoric ascent for Kendall. A transfer to the WSL was followed by impressive showings that drew the attention of the England manager. Her first cap was marked with a player-of-the-match display, and she shortly after netted her first international goal at her childhood team's ground. She is expected to play an important role in upcoming qualifying campaigns.

USA's Defensive Pillar

Armstrong's first season in the American league was highly successful. The defender became a key player for her team, recording twenty-three league appearances and adding a strike. A mainstay for the United States at various youth age groups, her mature displays will have undoubtedly caught the attention of the senior side coach's radar.

The next generation of women's football is bright, with these talented individuals spearheading the charge.

As the new year unfolds, the progress of these ten footballers will be intently followed by fans and analysts around the world. Their ability to influence the game at both domestic and international level is clear.