Fuller: This team is building something special

We last saw her smiling from ear to ear on the podium at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™. In Santo Domingo, Kennedy Fuller helped the USA claim the bronze medal – their first in the competition for 16 years – before being awarded the adidas Silver Boot after scoring four goals and providing three assists in the Caribbean.

Two years on, the talented midfielder is back on the world stage with the USA. After a slow start to the tournament, with just one point from their opening two games, the Americans finally hit their stride against New Zealand, cruising to a 9-0 victory and securing their place in the Round of 16 – a prospect that had looked far from certain at kick-off.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm really proud of the girls. I think we've really grown throughout this tournament, and that's all I can ask for as a team-mate and captain. I think all the goals were just a result of great team play, and I'm so happy for this team," Fuller told FIFA.

There was no doubt about it: every American player made her mark on the pitch in Sosnowiec, and Fuller was at the heart of it. Alongside her sharp passing and tireless work winning the ball back, the Bay FC player in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) also produced a superb hat-trick. But, as she so rightly pointed out, it was the connection between the players that made such a near-perfect performance possible, with the USA exploding out of the blocks.

"I think we said before the game that we wanted to be really dominant and have control of the game, and I think we did a really good job of that," she added. "Once we took the lead, our performance just kept building on that dominance. Again, I'm so proud of my team."

Two years after making a name for herself at a FIFA World Cup, the former Angel City FC player might appear, at first glance, to be much the same. At 19, she still wears her trademark lucky buns – her "Warrior buns", as she calls them – while her energy in the heart of midfield and technical quality remain firmly intact. And, of course, that infectious smile is still very much part of the package.

The context, however, is very different. Fuller has grown, her game has developed, and her influence within the Stars and Stripes' U-20 squad is greater than ever. This time, she arrived in Poland wearing the captain's armband.

True to her leadership style, and despite having just scored a memorable hat-trick and been named the Visa Player of the Match, Fuller had little interest in talking about herself. Fully aware that her team had just recorded the biggest win in USA history at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup™, the midfielder wanted only to share the plaudits. Had she been able to cut her individual trophy into 21 equal pieces, she probably would have done so.

"Again, it was all my team-mates. I was just in the right spot at the right time, and they did a great job of putting me in the best position to succeed. Again, congratulations to everyone. All nine goals were just beautiful."

And now, having secured their place among the best third-placed teams, the Americans will face an impressive Brazil side in the Round of 16 at Katowice next Wednesday. Fuller only discovered the identity of their next opponents when she reached the mixed zone, but the challenge certainly does not scare her.

"But again, this team is building something so special in this tournament. We're trying to remind ourselves that it's not about how you start, it's about how you finish."