Sariyah Bailey, a sophomore forward on LSU’s women’s soccer team, has earned a place on Canada’s 21‑player roster for the 2026 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The call‑up marks her second invitation to the national program, underscoring a rapid rise that began earlier this year.
A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Bailey first caught the attention of Canadian selectors during a stint in Costa Rica in April, followed by a training camp in Spain in June. Those experiences set the stage for her breakout season with LSU.
During the 2025 campaign, Bailey appeared in all 25 matches, starting 19 of them. She recorded nine goals and seven assists, contributing 25 points that placed her third on the team in scoring and tied for the assist lead. Her performances earned her All‑SEC Third Team honors, a spot on the SEC All‑Freshman Team, and a mention on Top Drawer Soccer’s list of the nation’s top freshmen.
Canada secured its spot in the tournament by capturing the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U‑20 Championship, a victory that added a third title to the nation’s record since 2008. The achievement grants the team its tenth appearance at the FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup, a run that culminated in a silver medal in 2002.
The tournament will run from September 5 to 27, spreading matches across four Polish cities, with one of the venues being Stadion Miejski in Bielsko‑Biała. Bailey is slated to start for Canada in the opening group game against Northwestern State, a 5‑0 win that saw her register an assist.
Beyond personal statistics, Bailey’s selection reflects LSU Soccer’s ongoing reputation for developing talent that competes on the world stage. The program has a history of producing players who earn national team honors, a tradition that continues with her inclusion.
A Milestone for LSU and Canadian Soccer
The announcement highlights the growing bridge between collegiate soccer in the United States and international competition, illustrating how collegiate programs serve as incubators for future stars.