The United States Under‑18 Women’s National Team is set to depart for Bulgaria, where it will compete in the Bulgarian Nations Cup – 2026 from June 1 to June 10. The tournament, held in the southern part of the country, brings together a young American side against the Ukraine U‑19 Women’s National Team and Benin’s U‑20 side.
A New Generation Takes the Field
Matches are scheduled for June 6 against Ukraine and June 9 against Benin, both taking place in southwest Bulgaria. The competition follows a round‑robin format in which three points are awarded for a win and none for a loss, and any tied game moves directly to a penalty shoot‑out that determines the winner.
The U.S. roster blends professional experience with collegiate talent. Audrey McKeen, the only professional on the squad and a recent signing with Racing Louisville, leads a group that includes four players from the University of North Carolina and two from Notre Dame. Defender Claire Kessenger, who trains in Spain, adds an international dimension to the back line.
All 20 athletes were born in 2008, making them age‑eligible for the 2026 FIFA Women’s U‑20 World Cup in Poland. This eligibility underscores the tournament’s role as a stepping stone toward the global event.
Coaches emphasize that the points system, combined with tiebreakers such as head‑to‑head results, goal difference, goals scored, fair‑play ranking and FIFA ranking, will provide a rigorous test before the World Cup roster is finalized.