Sehitler and Armstrong among 10 young women tipped for 2026 breakthrough

The Guardian highlights ten young female footballers expected to break through in 2026, spanning Europe, North America, Africa and Australia. Alara Sehitler, 19, Bayern Munich and Germany: Sehitler has become an impactful creative midfielder for José Barcala’s Bayern, scoring three Frauen-Bundesliga goals this season and sparking a Champions League comeback against Arsenal.

She made her senior Germany debut in November 2024 and will be aiming to become a regular ahead of 2027 World Cup qualifying. Giulia Galli, 17, Roma and Italy: Galli became Roma’s youngest Serie A debutant in May 2024 and scored her first club goal in September. She featured in the Champions League and starred for Italy at youth level, earning the bronze boot at the Under-17 World Cup.

She is expected to feature at this autumn’s Under-20 World Cup. Fridah Mukoma, 19, Kansas City Current and Zambia: Mukoma joined Kansas City Current in March but has yet to feature for the club after a loan spell in Beijing. She won the golden boot as Zambia won the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship and is one to watch at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Daniela Galic, 19, Vittsjö and Australia: An attacking midfielder in Sweden, Galic became a regular in the second half of the 2025 Damallsvenskan, with four goals and three assists in 13 appearances. She has not yet played for the Matildas but will be vying for a place for a home Asian Cup in March.

Key Topics

Culture, Sports, Women's Football, Youth, World Cup, Nwsl, Wsl