USYNT Roster Revealed: Whitham and DiMaria Lead U-17 Women into World Cup Qualifiers

The next generation of American soccer stars is heading to Costa Rica. U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team head coach Ciara Crinion has officially selected the 21-player roster tasked with securing a berth in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The squad will arrive in Costa Rica on March 14 following a specialized training camp in Houston. With the World Cup expanding to 24 nations and moving to an annual format in Morocco, the stakes for this qualifying window (March 17–22) are absolute: only the group winners and the best overall second-place team will punch their tickets to the world stage this October.

The Roster: Professional Experience and Collegiate Early-Enrollees

This year’s roster continues the trend of integrating professional talent into the youth ranks. Leading the attack is Mak Whitham, the Gotham FC standout who made history in 2024 as the youngest player to ever sign in the NWSL. Joining her is forward Deus Stanislaus, a rare early-enrollee at the University of North Carolina.

Player to Watch: Maddie DiMaria

The most experienced player on the roster, Maddie DiMaria (St. Louis Scott Gallagher), brings 10 caps and 4 goals to the frontline. Having already scored in the 2025 U-17 World Cup against China PR, her veteran presence in high-pressure FIFA matches will be the “spine” of Crinion’s tactical plan.

2026 Qualifying Roster by Position:

• Goalkeepers (3): Alexis Fischer, Avellina Saunders, Lola-Iris Ta.
• Defenders (6): Sophia Ahrens, Kendra Hansen, Madeline Maves, Sam Ogden, Anaiah Williams, Gigi Zuniga.
• Midfielders (6): Mia Corona, Jordyn Heathcock, Taylor Morrell, Grace Murray, Loradana Paletta, Elena Vera.
• Forwards (6): Giselle Aguilar, Maddie DiMaria, Gianna Hanf, Amari Manning, Deus Stanislaus, Mak Whitham.

Match Schedule: The Path Through Group B

All matches will be held at the Costa Rican Football Federation headquarters in San Rafael. The U.S. must navigate a tricky Group B to ensure their spot in Morocco.

The “U.S. Way”: Developing for the Senior Level

This roster reflects the Federation’s “U.S. Way” philosophy—creating a seamless pathway from youth clubs like Eclipse Select SC and Solar SC to the senior USWNT. Notably, eight players on this roster previously helped Crinion win the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship, signaling a deep familiarity with the coaching staff’s high-pressing system.

The team enters the tournament in blistering form, having recently won the MIMA Cup in Spain with 5-0 victories over both Wales and World Cup host Morocco.

What This Means: Atlanta’s Connection to the Future

The preparation for this squad has deep roots in Georgia. This age group held its very first training camp together in November 2025 right here in Atlanta. As the city continues its countdown to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, the success of these young women highlights the rapid growth of the local soccer hub.

Next Steps for Fans:

1. Stream the Matches: Catch the qualifying matches live on FS2 or the Concacaf YouTube channel.
2. Scout for NWSL Atlanta: Keep a close eye on Mak Whitham and Loradana Paletta (born 2011)—these are the types of elite talents Arthur Blank’s future NWSL Atlanta side will be looking to recruit in 2028.
3. Support Local Stars: Check out the latest Georgia high school soccer rankings to see which local players might be next in line for a U-15 or U-17 call-up.

Do you think Mak Whitham is the key to a U.S. World Cup title in Morocco, or is the defense the real strength of this 2009-born class?

Join the conversation in the comments below or tag us on social media with #USYNT and #U17WWC!

Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.