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The landscape of women's football is continuously transforming, with fresh stars poised to leave an impression on the world stage. Here is a look at ten up-and-coming stars destined to be players to monitor as the upcoming period approaches.

Alara Sehitler

The skillful midfielder has smoothly stepped into Bayern Munich's senior side. Thus far, she has shown she is a strong impact player for the club, contributing several German league goals this campaign. Her performances were instrumental in a memorable Champions League comeback versus Arsenal. After her full debut for the national team in late 2024, she aims to cement a regular spot in the squad for the forthcoming global tournament qualification campaign.

Giulia Galli

Widely regarded as one of Italy's finest youthful prospects in years, Galli made history by becoming her club's most youthful Serie A player at just 16. Currently ingrained in the first team, she has already bagged her first club goal and appeared in the Champions League. After starring for Italy at the Under-17 Euros, where she picked up the bronze boot at the subsequent global tournament, she is likely to play a part at the forthcoming Under-20 World Cup.

Mukoma's Potential

While yet to feature for her new team, Kansas City Current, Mukoma is viewed as one of the most recent thrilling players to emerge from the African nation. The striker made an immediate effect at the national team stage, securing the top scorer award as her country won the 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship. All attention will be on her at the upcoming continental championship.

Daniela Galic

The creative talent is currently playing in the Swedish league with Vittsjö. In the second half of the recent Swedish top division campaign, she quickly became a regular starter, contributing four strikes and three assists in thirteen appearances. Boasting a strong Young Matildas background under her belt, she has one eye on pushing for a place into the full Australian team for the home continental tournament.

Comendador's Goal-Scoring Prowess

Regularly one of the deadliest scorers in youth football, Comendador's exploits for her country at multiple youth tournaments speak volumes to her deep ability. Her accolades include a silver medal, top scorer award, and second-best player award at the global youth championship. After stepped up to the Real Madrid first team in the summer, she has predominantly been used from the substitutes this term. Further experience at the youth world championship awaits, and a full cap for La Roja seems inevitable.

Montserrat Saldívar

One could argue that Saldívar has long made her breakthrough in Mexico. After making her debut for Club América at the remarkable age of fourteen, she has made over 100 caps. The winger has been crucial to her nation's recent progress, ever-present in their run to the round of 16 of the youth world cup and netting several times as they won silver at the regional youth tournament. With another Under-20 World Cup and her maiden Concacaf Women’s Championship on the horizon, the next year are set to be extremely important.

Wassa Sangaré

Sangaré's impressive start to life in the Women’s Super League has definitely garnered attention. The talented central defender has adapted well to the rigors of the league, earning her place with nine straight starts. Her achievements at youth level for Les Bleues led to a full debut in a Nations League bronze medal match victory in late 2024.

Kaylee Hunter

The inauguration of the Canadian new league provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Hunter was one of the leading lights, playing a key role in her club's achievements in securing the first-ever Supporters’ Shield. The prolific attacker finished as the joint-second goalscorer with 14 goals and was named rookie of the year. These performances resulted in her a first full national team call-up.

England's Meteoric Rise

The past three months have been a rapid ascent for Kendall. A move to the top flight was succeeded by impressive showings that caught the eye of the England coach. Her first cap was crowned with a star performance, and she soon scored her first international strike at her former club's ground. She is likely to play an integral part in forthcoming qualifying matches.

Trinity Armstrong

Armstrong's first year in the NWSL was highly impressive. The centre-back established herself as a mainstay for her side, making 23 league appearances and contributing a goal. A regular for the USA at multiple junior age groups, her composed displays have certainly put her on the senior side coach's watchlist.

The future of women's soccer is shining, with these talented players leading the charge.

As 2026 unfolds, the development of these athletes will be closely watched by fans and analysts around the world. Their potential to influence the game at both club and national level is clear.