GOAL picks out the young stars set to shine in Australia and New Zealand, some already household names but others ready for a break-out tournament

World Cup tournaments are exciting for so many reasons. There are always shock upsets, surprise packages and twists and turns along the way as we watch on to see who will be crowned champions of the world. But something else that makes these events so great is that there are always promising young players who rise to the occasion and announce themselves on the biggest stage of all.

In Australia and New Zealand this month, there will be a lot of young players on show who have already established themselves in the women's game, be it in one of the top leagues in the world, at another major tournament, or in the Champions League.

But there are plenty of names unknown to the masses who are ready to have a break-out campaign, too, and ensure they are talked about around the world for the next few weeks and beyond.

Aged 21 and under, GOAL picks out the young players ready to make a real impact at the 2023 Women's World Cup…

GettyJody Brown (Jamaica)

Jamaica's star name might be Bunny Shaw but in Jody Brown the Reggae Girlz have another wonderfully talented forward – and one still just 21 years old, too.

Brown made her senior debut at the age of 16 and, a few months later, was the youngest player to compete at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship – a tournament at which she scored six goals in six games to help her country qualify for a first-ever Women's World Cup.

In the time since, she's gotten better and better, asserting herself as a key part of the starting XI after being an impact sub in France four years ago. Brown will have the chance to impress in Australia and New Zealand, then, and may well have a few professional opportunities come her way in the aftermath, as she currently plays for the Seminoles at Florida State University.

AdvertisementGettyEsmee Brugts (Netherlands)

If it wasn't for Esmee Brugts, the Netherlands might not even be at this Women's World Cup.

With the scores goalless as stoppage time began in the Oranje's clash with Iceland in September, it was the latter set to qualify automatically for the tournament while the 2019 runners-up were in for a trip to New Zealand for the play-offs.

But then, in the third minute of stoppage time, their talented young forward whipped in a dangerous cross that evaded everyone, nestled in the bottom corner and saw the two nations switch destinies.

Since that moment, Brugts' role has changed. Previously a regular option off the bench, she's now starting at left wing-back in the Netherlands' new system. It's not where she is best but the 19-year-old is learning plenty and will get the chance to showcase her qualities in New Zealand.

GettyLinda Caicedo (Colombia)

One of the breakout stars of the past 12 months, Linda Caicedo has long been highly-rated. After all, she was only 14 years old when she won the Colombian league's Golden Boot and inspired America de Cali to a first-ever title.

But the young forward hit new heights in 2022, a year in which Colombia hosted Copa America. It was Caicedo who was their stand-out performer, named the Player of the Tournament before picking up the Most Valuable Player award in the final despite her team finishing as runners-up.

In the months that followed, as her 18th birthday approached, rumours around Caicedo's future were incessant – particularly with her shining at both the U20 and U17 World Cup tournaments, leading Colombia to the final of the latter.

In the end, she signed for Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, at just 18 and has quickly made an impact. For her country, she is talismanic and will be central to any success at her first senior World Cup.

GettyKyra Cooney-Cross (Australia)

Despite having asserted herself as a member of Australia's starting XI, it still feels like Kyra Cooney-Cross hasn't had her huge break-out moment when it comes to being widely talked about outside of her homeland.

An incredibly tidy midfielder who appears to be almost tireless, the 21-year-old has impressed in Sweden with Hammarby this calendar year with her excellent all-round game, being decisive in the final third while still stepping up on the other side of the ball.

Cooney-Cross experienced the 2019 Women's World Cup as a training player and, four years on, she's set to be key for the Matildas in their home tournament.