Three current Tar Heels and one former Carolina standout are headed to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, after U.S. Soccer and U-20 Women’s National Team head coach Vicky Jepson announced the 21-player roster.
Aven Alvarez, Hope Munson and Sealey Strawn all earned spots on the U.S. squad from UNC’s current roster, while former Tar Heel Linda Ullmark was also named to the team. The tournament runs in Poland from Sept. 5-27.
Alvarez and Munson have been steady fixtures with the U-20 WNT all year, logging three training camps and a handful of international friendlies as part of the build-up to the World Cup. They’ve also been key pieces in UNC’s fast start, helping the Tar Heels open 2-0 while outscoring opponents 12-0. Munson has produced three goals and two assists, and Alvarez has been central to a defense that has allowed just five total shots, with only one on goal, across the two matches.
Strawn joined Alvarez and Munson at the final U-20 training camp in July. She has spent time with other U.S. national teams as well, including a trip to Germany with the U-19 WNT, where she started matches and helped the team finish 1-1.
Ullmark’s path to the roster has continued after her time in Chapel Hill. She spent two seasons at Carolina before signing with the Houston Dash in the spring of 2026.
During her UNC career, she helped deliver the program’s 23rd national championship and earned all-America honors after her sophomore season. Her rookie year in the NWSL has already made noise, too - she was named NWSL Rookie of the Month in July.
The U.S. opens group play on Sept. 6 against Italy, then meets 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finalist Japan on Wednesday. Both of those games are set for noon.
The Americans close the group stage against New Zealand on Saturday at 9 a.m. Every match in the tournament will air in English on the FOX family of networks.
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