Cisse adds another chapter to her tall story

At 6ft (1.85m), Canada goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse is the fourth-tallest player at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™. The 18-year-old has made her presence felt in Poland with a dominant display against Tanzania in which she kept a clean sheet in a 6-0 victory.

Cisse's debut at the U-20 showpiece marks another chapter in her burgeoning career, having played a key role in Canada's progress to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025™.

After recently signing a deal with FC Barcelona Femeni B, Cisse's tall story has only just begun.

"It feels great [to be in Poland]. This is my second youth World Cup and I hope there is another one next year for me," Cisse told FIFA. "It's always an honour to be here. I love it. It's the next level, always."

While developing her football career, Cisse also played volleyball at high school before the competing schedules became too much.

How exactly does she use her height to her advantage? "I like to use it on aerial dominance, it's a big part of my game," she adds. "But also people say it's a bit of an intimidation factor. I don't know if I see it like that but people say it so I'll take it!"

The University of Kentucky star believes her move to Barcelona B will help her achieve her long-term goals.

"Of course, it's to play with the senior team, get some caps and win some silverware with them... and at the club level, win some silverware and get some minutes," she adds.

After giving Cisse the start against Tanzania, Canada coach Cindy Tye is delighted with the goalkeeper's progress.

"She has another cycle in her, she's a young player. We were happy to give her the start and obviously with a shutout - good for her," Tye told FIFA. "She gained some confidence and experience in this tournament, that's what it's for. Let's see what happens."

Canada will face France in the Round of 16 at Poland 2026, where Cisse will hope to reach new heights.

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