Aguilar: Costa Rica's U-20s Want to Make Their Mark in Poland 2026

Costa Rica’s next generation of football talent is setting its sights on the international stage, and for young star Aguilar, that means one thing: Poland in 2026. In a recent conversation with FIFA.com, Aguilar opened up about the national U-20 women’s team’s hopes for the next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the valuable experiences that have shaped their journey so far.

What happened

Aguilar, a key figure in Costa Rica’s youth setup, spoke candidly about the team’s ambitions after a defining period in 2024. That year provided both challenges and growth opportunities, leaving the squad with a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Now, with the 2026 tournament in Poland on the horizon, the players are channeling those lessons into a focused and determined qualifying campaign.

Costa Rica have long shown promise in women’s football, and the U-20 side is eager to build on that reputation. The road to Poland will go through the demanding CONCACAF qualifying rounds, where every match will test their readiness, mental strength, and tactical awareness.

Why it matters

The significance of a potential U-20 World Cup appearance extends far beyond the age-group tournaments. Costa Rica’s senior women’s team have already tasted World Cup football, most recently at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the U-20 squad represents the next wave of players ready to carry that momentum forward. Success in qualifying would not only boost the country’s footballing profile but also inspire younger generations back home.

Aguilar’s leadership and experience could be pivotal in guiding the team through the emotional and physical demands of the qualifiers. The blend of youthful energy and previous international exposure gives Costa Rica a realistic shot at making the trip to Poland.

What it means

For Aguilar and her teammates, the dream is clear: line up on Polish soil in 2026 and show that Costa Rica belong among the world’s best youth teams. But first comes the hard work on the training ground and in every qualifying fixture. If the lessons of 2024 have truly sunk in, Costa Rica could be a team nobody wants to face when the next World Cup rolls around.