Six NWSL Wonderkids in FM26

Olivia Moultrie

• National team: USA
• Age: 20
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: Portland Thorns FC

Having come through the youth setup, Olivia Moultrie made her professional debut at just 15 and has grown into a regular first-team presence, while also becoming a consistent feature in several US national team squads.

Moultrie operates as a classic number 10, comfortable between the lines where she can dictate attacking play. Technically very clean on the ball, she stands out for her first touch, close control and a natural ability to spot and execute the through pass. Her passing quality and technique are among her strongest attributes, allowing her to consistently link play in advanced areas.

Aged just 20, her vision and composure are already well developed, allowing her to dictate tempo in possession and consistently select the right option even under pressure. Alongside her technical qualities, her work rate and willingness to press provide an added defensive dimension, making her as effective without the ball as she is in attacking phases.

Trinity Armstrong

• National team: USA
• Age: 18
• Position: Central defender
• Club: San Diego Wave FC

Still only 18, Trinity Armstrong has already established herself as one of the most promising young defenders in the NWSL. After a standout college career, she made the jump into the professional game and quickly showed she could handle the physical demands of senior football, including scoring a dramatic late winner against Bay FC in the California derby.

Armstrong brings the kind of physical profile managers love in FM26. Strong in the air, aggressive in duels and difficult to outmuscle, she looks capable of anchoring a back line for years to come. What makes her especially interesting, though, is the composure underneath that physical edge. Her positioning and anticipation help her read danger early, while previous experience in midfield has improved her comfort in possession. There is still development ahead in her distribution and decision-making under pressure, but the foundations are already there for a top-level centre-back.

Kimmi Ascanio

• National team: USA
• Age: 18
• Position: Midfielder/Winger
• Club: San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave can count on another teenage prospect making waves in the NWSL: 18-year-old Kimmi Ascanio. A regular for U.S. youth national teams, she has built a reputation as a player willing to outwork opponents as much as outplay them, while gradually beginning to translate that potential into senior performances.

Ascanio's versatility is one of her biggest strengths. Comfortable operating in midfield or from wide areas, she combines technical security with a relentless work ethic, allowing her to influence games in a variety of ways. Her first touch and passing help her retain possession in tight spaces, while her energy and tactical awareness make her a valuable contributor both in and out of possession.

Emeri Adames

• National team: USA
• Age: 20
• Position: Midfielder/Winger
• Club: Seattle Reign FC

The Texas native made her debut at 18 and quickly opened her account in her first season, collecting over twenty appearances by the end of the campaign. Early flashes of pace and directness immediately marked her out as a long-term attacking talent for the club. Now 20, she is beginning to earn more consistent minutes and steadily increase her goal contribution, reinforcing her status as one of the most promising forwards in the squad.

Adames is particularly dangerous in transition, thriving when space opens on the wing or between the lines. Her pace and acceleration allow her to stretch defences, while her off the ball movement is a key strength, often timing runs in behind to catch defenders off guard. She is also showing encouraging finishing instincts, especially with her left foot.

Jordyn Bugg

• National team: USA
• Age: 19
• Position: Central defender
• Club: Seattle Reign FC

Jordyn Bugg has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in the league. After making her debut in 2024, she took a significant step forward in 2025, becoming a regular starter for Seattle Reign. Now 19, she has earned senior international recognition, collecting six U.S. national team caps so far.

What sets Bugg apart is the maturity she shows for her age. She reads the game exceptionally well, often cutting out danger before it develops, while her composure on the ball allows Seattle to build attacks through her.

Mobile, confident and increasingly assured at senior level, she already possesses many of the qualities clubs look for in a modern ball-playing centre-back.

Gisele Thompson

• National team: USA
• Age: 20
• Position: Fullback
• Club: Angel City FC

Born in Los Angeles, Thompson skipped the traditional college pathway and instead progressed through Angel City FC’s academy and emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders in the NWSL. Making her debut at just 17, she has since grown into a reliable starter, making 15 appearances in 2024, and now closing in on 50 appearances for her team. At international level, she has featured regularly in United States youth camps since the age of 15 and has already earned 10 senior caps.

Thompson is a prime example of the modern full-back. She is quick, technically assured, and consistently proactive. Her pace, agility, and close control allow her to drive play forward from deep areas, while her dribbling and delivery provide a consistent threat in advanced positions. When called into defensive action, she is composed and committed, with strong tackling technique and excellent balance in one-vs-one situations.

Her blend of athleticism, technical ability, and defensive consistency makes her one of the most exciting young full-backs in the league.

That completes our list of six NWSL wonderkids to watch in FM26. Whether you’re building for the long term or aiming for instant success, these emerging talents have the potential to become key players in your pursuit of NWSL Championship glory.