By OkayGoal
Big goals, fierce competition, and a championship comeback. The U.S. Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team is giving soccer fans plenty to talk about.
The USWNT isn’t the only American squad making noise on the international stage!
The U.S. Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team (CP WNT) has been putting on a show. From fierce international rivalries to a thrilling 2026 World Cup championship, these women are making their presence known.
And trust us, there are some names you’ll want to remember.
With another world title secured, let’s meet the competition and the talented women helping write the next chapter of U.S. women’s soccer.
The Competition Is Heating Up
You can’t talk about the CP WNT without mentioning Australia.
The two countries have developed quite the rivalry, meeting in multiple World Cup finals. Australia took home the 2024 title, but the Americans flipped the script in 2026 with a championship comeback.
Of course, Australia isn’t the only country bringing the heat.
The United States faced Finland during the 2026 group stage, walking away with a 6-2 victory. Japan also challenged the Americans in group play, while Ireland reached the semifinals before falling to the U.S. 15-0.
Other nations involved in international cerebral palsy football include England, Brazil, Spain, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
The growing international competition means more opportunities for women and girls in soccer to showcase their talent. And who doesn’t love a little healthy rivalry?
The Stars Behind the Red, White and Blue
Every great team has players who make you stop scrolling and pay attention. The CP WNT is no exception.
Here are some of the women making their mark.
Catarina Guimaraes
When the pressure is on, Guimaraes is someone you want on your side. She played a crucial role in the United States’ 2026 championship comeback against Australia, helping turn a high-stakes final into a golden moment for the Americans.
Jesslyn Kuhnel
Goals? She’s got plenty. Entering the 2026 tournament with 22 goals in 15 international appearances, Kuhnel had already established herself as an offensive powerhouse. She added another accomplishment to her résumé by earning tournament MVP honors.
Annie Wickett
Championship moments call for players willing to step up, and Wickett answered. She found the back of the net during the United States’ comeback against Australia, contributing to one of the team’s biggest victories.
Bella Stankunas
From a 2024 World Cup participant to a 2026 world champion, Stankunas has experienced the program’s journey firsthand. Her return to the international stage highlights the team’s development and the athletes continuing to push it forward.
Leah Glaser and Kaia Spencer
Glaser and Spencer are among the attacking talents who have helped build the CP WNT program. Together, they add even more firepower to an already exciting squad.
A Championship Worth Talking About
Sure, bringing home a World Cup trophy is pretty impressive. But what makes this team special goes far beyond the scoreboard.
These women are helping bring more visibility to disability sports while showing young girls that there isn’t just one pathway into competitive soccer.
Representation matters, especially when young athletes can see someone like themselves competing on the world’s biggest stages.
The CP WNT is building its own legacy within U.S. Soccer, and its athletes deserve to be celebrated alongside the country’s other national team stars.
So, the next time someone brings up American women’s soccer, make sure the CP WNT is part of the conversation.
Because these women aren’t waiting around for their moment in the spotlight.
They’re creating it.
Featured image via @ifcpf