Penny Brill, a midfielder for Xavier University, has been called up to represent New Zealand in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup after her pivotal role in winning the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship in 2025. The Auckland native will travel to Poland with the squad, marking New Zealand’s 10th straight attendance at the U-20 tournament. Brill contributed significantly during the OFC Championship, scoring in a dominant 11-0 victory over Vanuatu and helping her team go undefeated with a remarkable total score of 33-0. She expresses pride in her achievement and looks forward to competing against top teams like the USA, Japan, and Italy in Group D.

By the Numbers
  • New Zealand outscored opponents 33-0 in five OFC U-19 matches.
  • Penny Brill scored once in the 11-0 match against Vanuatu.
State of Play
  • Brill is set to join the New Zealand pre-tour camp in Poznań, Poland on August 24.
  • The team enters the FIFA bubble on September 2, with their first match against Japan on September 7.
What's Next

Brill and her team aim to leverage their strong performance in the OFC Championship as they prepare for the World Cup, while also gaining invaluable experience against some of the best youth talent in the world. Their upcoming matches will be crucial in establishing their footing within the group stages.

Bottom Line

Penny Brill's journey to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup showcases her rapid development as a player and highlights the significance of international competition in shaping young athletes. Her experience represents an opportunity for growth, both individually and for the New Zealand national team.