The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team is heading to the southeast coast of Spain for an important early-stage training camp as preparation intensifies for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Running from November 24 to December 3, this camp marks a major moment for the squad: the first international matches under newly appointed head coach Vicky Jepson.
The team will face two strong opponents, England on November 29 and China PR on December 2, with both fixtures taking place at the Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar (situated at the northern end of Murcia’s Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Cálida, Spain), a high-performance venue well known for hosting top national teams and elite clubs.
These matches are expected to give Jepson her first look at how the group performs under real international pressure and will help shape early tactical decisions for the year ahead.
A Young, Competitive Roster With International Promise
The November camp brings together 20 players, all born between 2006 and 2007, which aligns with FIFA’s age cut-off for the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup. The roster reflects the growing diversity of the U.S. player pathway:
- Six active NWSL players
- One NWSL player on loan abroad
- Three USL Super League players
- Seven college players
- One unattached player
- Two youth club players
This blend of professional, semi-pro, collegiate, and youth talent demonstrates how broad and competitive the national development pipeline has become.
Notable names include:
High-Performing Young Pros
- Zoe Matthews (Houston Dash / Dux Logroñés): Currently playing in Spain, offering valuable familiarity with local conditions.
- Chloe Ricketts (Houston Dash): One of the most talked-about young attackers in American soccer.
- Mary Long, Katie Scott, Ainsley McCammon, and Kennedy Fuller: All former U-17 World Cup players bringing crucial tournament experience.
Rising Stars in Domestic Leagues
- Sealey Strawn (Dallas Trinity FC): The 2024/25 USL Super League Young Player of the Year, with two goals this season and a future UNC standout.
- Ashlyn Puerta (Sporting Club Jacksonville): One of the most in-form midfielders in the system, scoring nine goals in just 10 matches.
- Amalia Villarreal (Texas): A proven goalscorer with eight goals and two assists this season, and experience from the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
College Standouts and Youth Talent
The roster includes several players from major NCAA programs such as USC, Florida, Penn State, and Texas, alongside youth players from top clubs like Solar SC and Indy Premier SC.
This balance ensures Jepson has a rounded group, some already tested in professional environments, others hungry for their first international breakthrough.
A New Era Under Head Coach Vicky Jepson
This camp of US players in Spain is only Jepson’s second with the U-20 program, but it represents her first opportunity to lead the team into competitive match conditions.
Jepson, known for her tactical clarity and strong player-development philosophy, previously coached in the NWSL and brings a modern, structured approach to youth international football.
Her early goals with the squad include:
- Establishing a consistent tactical identity
- Evaluating chemistry between new and returning players
- Building competitive habits ahead of World Cup qualifying
- Strengthening the transition from youth to senior-level football
These two matches will provide crucial insights into how well players adapt under pressure, especially against strong European and Asian opponents.
Why Spain? A Strategic Choice
Spain has become a major global hub for international football preparation due to its climate, infrastructure, and high-quality training environments. Pinatar Arena, located in the Murcia region, regularly hosts:
- National teams preparing for major tournaments
- Preseason camps for European clubs
- International friendlies across youth and senior levels
Training in Spain also provides U.S. players the chance to experience a different footballing culture, one focused on precision passing, tactical discipline, and technical fluidity. Playing England and China PR adds stylistic variety that is extremely valuable this early in a World Cup cycle.
Looking Ahead to Poland 2026
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for September 5–27 in Poland, will bring together 24 nations. The U.S. qualified earlier this year after a strong performance at the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship.
With the tournament still nearly a year away, this camp represents the beginning of the long-term build-up. For many players, this is their chance to lock in their place, prove their readiness, and integrate into the future core of the senior women’s national team.
Given the depth of the roster and the competitive experience the players already bring, the U.S. enters this cycle with a promising foundation, one that Jepson will work to refine and elevate throughout 2026.
Full Roster for the Spain Camp
Goalkeepers (2): Charlotte Burge, Kealey Titmuss
Defenders (6): Edra Bello, Abby Gemma, Kieryn Jeter, Emma Johnson, Zoe Matthews, Katie Scott
Midfielders (6): Sofia Cedeno, Ines Derrien, Kennedy Fuller, Ainsley McCammon, Ashlyn Puerta, Kai Tsakiris
Forwards (6): Mary Long, Rylee McLanahan, Alex Pfeiffer, Chloe Ricketts, Sealey Strawn, Amalia Villarreal
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