September 15: A group of top women’s players including Alex Morgan, Marta, Lindsey Heaps and Crystal Dunn have written an open letter to FIFA asking it to include the U-20 Women’s World Cup in the international calendar.
Moving the tournament to a FIFA window would force clubs and universities to release selected players, something they are currently under no obligation to do. This year’s edition, which will take place in Poland from September 5-27, is outside of those windows, and several NWSL teams retained players to help in a crucial stretch of the club’s season.
“Young players should not have to choose between representing their country and fulfilling club commitments,” the letter says, arguing that aligning the tournament with international windows would allow “the world’s best emerging talent to compete on the global stage.”
It’s a real problem, because the U20s are increasingly a stepping stone. It’s FIFA’s last youth event before the 2027 World Cup, and senior coaches are watching closely. When USA U20 coach Vicky Jepson named her squad, she admitted some clubs would not release players.
The signees span generations, from Brandi Chastain and Julie Ertz to current stars, several of whom won U20 titles themselves. Emma Hayes, who visited Poland, told the young players that “everything was ready for what’s to come”.
For such an important tournament for development, being left off the schedule makes little sense.