Adames, McCammon and O’Steen prepare to compete in the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland

Three Seattle Reign FC players were selected by Vicky Jepson to participate in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – Emeri Adames, Ainsley McCamon and Evan O’Steen. The competition begins in Poland on Saturday, September 5, but the United States begins its group stage play on Sunday, September 6.

The United States squad looks to return to the podium after finishing in third place at the 2024 edition of the tournament, hosted in Colombia. Across all U-20 Women’s World Cups, the U.S. has qualified for each of the 11 iterations, and have won three times (2002, 2008, 2012). The squad has claimed bronze twice (2004, 2024) and finished in fourth place twice (2006, 2016).

This tournament has long been a launching point for young players to begin their full USWNT careers. Since 2002, about 25% of each U-20 roster has gone on to represent the full USWNT. Two Reign FC players, Jordyn Bugg and Maddie Dahlien, competed in the 2024 FIFA U-20 WWC and have already earned caps with the USWNT.

Adames brings the most U-20 experience of any player on the roster with 17 caps. She is one of two players to have competed in the previous U-20 World Cup in Colombia. At that tournament, she started all seven matches and recorded a team-high four assists.

“Last World Cup, I was playing so many years up, so it was a bit unexpected,” said Adames. “This World Cup is special in a different way. I have a bit of a different role because I’m more of a leader now. I’m really excited. I feel like it’s going to be a really special World Cup.”

McCammon and O’Steen are two of six players on the roster that competed in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. In the team’s third-place finish, McCammon was one of the captains of the squad. She also added two goals in her 11 total caps with the U-17s. In the 2024 tournament, O’Steen played in five of six matches and won the Golden Glove.

The young goalkeeper also played in three of four matches in last year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. She has 13 total caps at the U-17 level.

“I was thrilled. I think it's just like such a big honor to be able to play for your country and to represent Team USA. We’ve got a really good group, so obviously the hope is that we can go and win it, but I am super excited to be a part of the team,” said McCammon.

“It means everything to have this experience alongside my teammates. It's so fun. Being able to go with some teammates that I'm really close with and be able to play club and country with them is really awesome,” remarked the midfielder.

The U-20 WNT is set to compete in Group D alongside Italy, Japan and New Zealand. All of the USA’s group stage matches will be broadcast live within the FOX network. Full match details as well as tune in information can be found below.

U.S. U-20 Group Stage Schedule

September 6

9:00 a.m. PT vs. Italy /Stadion Miejski LKS in Lodz, Poland / FSP

September 9

9:00 a.m. PT vs. Japan / Stadion Miejski LKS in Lodz, Poland / FS2

September 12

6:00 a.m. PT vs. New Zealand / Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec, Poland / FS1