Manchester City forward Rachael Adedini and Aston Villa's Jessica Johnson will bring WSL soccer to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2026 when the global youth tournament kicks off in Morocco this month. Neither will wear an England shirt, though, as the Young Lionesses missed out on a spot in this year's football field.
Rising WSL Soccer Talent Heading to Morocco
But the WSL connection to the competition runs deeper than national team rosters. Adedini, 17, heads to Morocco as one of the most dangerous forwards in her age group after finishing as top scorer at the 2026 UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship.
With France's U-17's, she tallied 21 caps and 11 goals. And, since switching from Manchester United's youth setup to City in 2024, she's been named to first-team benches for the reigning WSL champions.
Johnson's path looks different but no less promising. The Aston Villa forward has been scoring for the club's U-21 side. She also worked her way into Zambia's U-17 squad, debuting during 2025 World Cup qualifying. She rejoins the international setup after stepping away for exams and her responsibilities at Villa.
England Still Sports Football Stars at U-17 Women's World Cup
England women's football may be absent from the bracket, but past editions launched WSL careers for Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, and Ella Toone. Two more prospects now get the same opportunity, just under a different crest.
