University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: NATE SKVORETZ
Three Heels Set For FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
August 19, 2026 | Women's Soccer
ATLANTA, Ga. – U.S. Soccer and U-20 Women's National Team head coach Vicky Jepson have announced the 21-player roster for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The roster features three current Tar Heels and one alumnus from the Carolina women's soccer program. The four athletes will compete with the national team at the Women's World Cup in Poland Sept. 5-27.
From the current Carolina roster, Aven Alvarez, Hope Munson, and Sealey Strawn will take part in the World Cup. Alvarez and Munson have been recurring members of the U-20 WNT throughout the year. The duo has taken part in three training camps and several international friendlies with the national team in preparation for the upcoming Women's World Cup. Both Alvarez and Munson have helped guide the Tar Heels to a 2-0 start to the season while outscoring their opponents 12-0. Munson has tallied three goals and two assists so far this season while Alvarez has played a key role in the team holding opponents to five total shots with only one on goal across both matches.
Most recently, Strawn joined Alvarez and Munson in the final training camp for the U-20 squad in July. Strawn has also competed with other U.S. national teams throughout the year. On a trip to Germany with the U-19 WNT, the striker was featured in the starting lineup while helping the team to a 1-1 record on the trip.
Former Tar Heel Linda Ullmark also made the national team roster for the World Cup. She played at Carolina for two seasons before signing with the Houston Dash in the spring of 2026. While at UNC, Ullmark helped the team to their 23rd national championship and garnered all-America honors after her sophomore season. She has continued to make big plays on the pitch as a standout rookie for the Dash. She was tabbed NWSL Rookie of the Month in July.
The U.S. will begin World Cup action on Sept. 6 against Italy and then face 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup finalist Japan on Wednesday. Both matches will take place at noon. The national team will wrap up the group stage against New Zealand on Saturday at 9 a.m. Every match of the tournament will be broadcast in English on the FOX family of networks.
From the current Carolina roster, Aven Alvarez, Hope Munson, and Sealey Strawn will take part in the World Cup. Alvarez and Munson have been recurring members of the U-20 WNT throughout the year. The duo has taken part in three training camps and several international friendlies with the national team in preparation for the upcoming Women's World Cup. Both Alvarez and Munson have helped guide the Tar Heels to a 2-0 start to the season while outscoring their opponents 12-0. Munson has tallied three goals and two assists so far this season while Alvarez has played a key role in the team holding opponents to five total shots with only one on goal across both matches.
Most recently, Strawn joined Alvarez and Munson in the final training camp for the U-20 squad in July. Strawn has also competed with other U.S. national teams throughout the year. On a trip to Germany with the U-19 WNT, the striker was featured in the starting lineup while helping the team to a 1-1 record on the trip.
Former Tar Heel Linda Ullmark also made the national team roster for the World Cup. She played at Carolina for two seasons before signing with the Houston Dash in the spring of 2026. While at UNC, Ullmark helped the team to their 23rd national championship and garnered all-America honors after her sophomore season. She has continued to make big plays on the pitch as a standout rookie for the Dash. She was tabbed NWSL Rookie of the Month in July.
The U.S. will begin World Cup action on Sept. 6 against Italy and then face 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup finalist Japan on Wednesday. Both matches will take place at noon. The national team will wrap up the group stage against New Zealand on Saturday at 9 a.m. Every match of the tournament will be broadcast in English on the FOX family of networks.
Players Mentioned
Defender
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Defender
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Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's SoccerMonday, August 17
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Friday, August 14