Portugal pair prepared for Poland push

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™ represents a landmark occasion for Portugal, who will feature at the tournament for the first time in their history after securing qualification last year on the pitches of the host nation.

A year on, their return to Poland marks the start of a new challenge. The 2025 UEFA Women’s U-19 Championship was about more than continental glory. It also offered a place at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, and Portugal secured one of the five spots available to European nations, turning an historic achievement into an even greater opportunity.

Portugal skipper Mafalda Mariano spoke to FIFA and reflected on her excitement at playing at the 24-team tournament and what she can bring to her side as captain, as they prepare to tackle DPR Korea, Costa Rica and Colombia in Group E.

“It’s a huge honour to be part of this tournament in Poland. We’re ready for the tournament, and every one of us is raring to play. We’ve come here to give it everything we’ve got. As the captain, it’s important to keep everyone cool, calm and collected. We’re all chomping at the bit to play in Portugal’s first-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup match. It’s a moment we’ll all want to savour,” Mariano said.

Team-mate Carolina Santiago echoes the sentiments of her skipper: “It’s a massive honour and an incredible feeling to represent our country at the World Cup in Poland. We’re absolutely buzzing at the thought of playing in this competition, and we know just how important the World Cup is. We’ll try to make the most of it and give everything we’ve got,” the Sporting CP player added.

Santiago has already made her debut for Portugal’s senior side, even bagging her first international goal during qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™.

“Scoring that goal made me dream even bigger. I was absolutely over the moon afterwards. If I get the chance to play at the World Cup, I’ll feel truly fulfilled because it’s a dream I’ve had ever since I was a child,” the youngster said, already with one eye on next year’s showpiece in South America.

Mariano also spoke about their opening clash with DPR Korea: “We know it’s going to be a tough game. We’ll give it our all and play our own game, fighting for one another until the end,” she said.

Role models are vital for young players like them, and women’s football is packed with legends who have paved the way for so many.

“I’m a huge fan of Portugal’s Andreia Faria. She’s probably one of the few players I really love watching. She’s the only player who really inspires me,” Mariano said.

For Santiago, however, motivation comes from a whole host of different players: “I’m a big fan of Kika Nazareth, and also Marta, because she was the first female footballer I remember watching play. I remember being glued to the screen as a young girl, watching her skills and dribbling.”