Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Marta among players calling for FIFA to move U-20 Women’s World Cup

Star women's soccer players, such as Alex Morgan, Marta, Lindsey Heaps, Crystal Dunn, and U.S. youth captain Kennedy Fuller, have penned an open letter to FIFA, urging the inclusion of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in the organization's international calendar. The players argue that aligning the tournament with an international match window would better serve players, clubs, and the future of women's soccer.

The 2026 U-20 World Cup, currently scheduled from Sept. 5 to Sept. 27 in Poland, falls outside the FIFA windows, preventing teams from releasing players for international duty. Several National Women's Soccer League teams pulled players from the competition, causing tension between club commitments and representing their countries.

The letter emphasizes that young talent should not have to choose between playing for their national team and meeting club obligations. Aligning the tournament with designated international windows would ensure the best emerging talent can compete globally. The U-20 World Cup is the final youth competition in women's soccer before the 2027 World Cup begins in Brazil.

Coaches often consider U-20 performances when selecting senior teams. Some U.S. women's national team players and international stars, including Morgan, Dunn, Heaps, Crystal Dunn, and others, signed the open letter. The U.S. opened their 2026 U-20 World Cup campaign with a loss to Italy but advanced to the round of 16 with a 9-0 victory over New Zealand.