Supporting FIFA’s social impact campaigns, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ players reveal when they discovered football’s power to forge friendships and unite people
Stories aim to encourage more girls and women to try the sport for the first time
Football Unites the World and Be Active were promoted throughout the tournament
FIFA's long-standing social impact campaigns promote unity, friendship, health and joy through football, leveraging the power of the sport for good – and September’s FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™ was no exception.
Football Unites the World's message of togetherness and shared passion sat alongside Be Active's aim to encourage more young girls to discover football, supporting FIFA's Women's Football Strategy target of 60 million women and girls playing the sport globally by 2027.
Aiming to spark a movement that drives toward that goal, the stars of tomorrow reinforced how the magic of football extends far beyond the pitch.
When Canada needed a boost, Annabelle Chukwu provided it, turning the tide to level against England with Canada’s tournament opening goal, and an impressive brace against Tanzania. For Chukwu, who already eyes the grand stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™, football has meant forging unshakable bonds. “I think it gives girls a sense of confidence. Like friendship; I have life-long friends that I know are going to come from this sport,” she said.
For England’s Princess Ademiluyi, stepping onto the pitch is a powerful release and offers a sanctuary where everyday worries fade away and personal expression takes centre stage, all while reaping the health benefits of the sport. “It gives you another platform to express yourself... I think some people use it to just get away from normal life. I think [football is] great,” she explained. “Obviously, it keeps you fit, and you meet brilliant people so I would definitely recommend (it).”
Her teammate Lola Brown echoes that driving sense of purpose, finding that the beautiful game brings a daily invitation to chase greatness. “It builds your confidence as a person, and then on the pitch you also have something to work towards," the England midfielder said. “Every morning, I get up and I have a real purpose to my day... but I also think the people you meet with this and the places you go are incredible.”
Football has the raw power to heal, ground, and connect cultures across borders. Mexico winger Montserrat Saldívar captures the soul-deep emotion of the sport, testifying to how it serves as a universal anchor and a force for togetherness. “I feel that football has saved me many times, and I'm thankful,” she said. “I feel that football unites people because of all the emotions which come with it.”