When Giovana Canali was selected in Brazil’s squad for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™, it was the first major step towards a dream she has held onto for years.

Having grown up inspired by national icons such as Marta and Debinha, Canali dreams to one day serve exactly as her idols did: as inspirations to the next generation. Playing for Brazil in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ is part of the journey to reach her goal.

“It’s an honour and an incredible feeling to be here, wearing this shirt, and representing Brazil on such a big stage as the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup,” she said. “It’s a huge source of pride to be here and experience this, especially because I grew up watching players like Marta, Debinha and Neymar, on the men’s side. So, being here and wearing this shirt is a feeling I can’t describe.

“I dream big! I hope that in 10 years I’ll still be playing at a high level, believing in myself, happy, and inspiring lots of young girls, just like so many athletes inspired me to get to where I am today.”

Canali and her Brazilian teammates are currently in Poland where they have qualified for the Round of 16. Poland 2026 is the 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and just the second since the number of participating teams was increased from 16 to 24.

“I had the pleasure of training alongside Marta during the summer break, and she isn’t just an inspiration on the pitch, but also the person she is. She’s such a joyful person, always smiling and joking around, and she inspires me to be a little bit more like her.”

Marta herself played in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2002, where she won the Silver Ball and earned selection in the All-Star team helping her earn selection in the senior national team and, ultimately, a spot at following year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

With Brazil preparing to host the 2027 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Marta’s path from U-20 selection to the senior team is one that Canali wants to replicate.

“International football teaches you so much more than just football. You learn how to deal with different cultures, different styles of football, and different people – and beyond that, you get to experience the passion that everyone has for representing their own country.

“This tournament is very important because it helps prepare players to get ready for the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup and helps bring more awareness to the development of women’s football.

“It’s a unique feeling to have the opportunity to play in a FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup and represent your country, and that helps many players feel more prepared for the senior set-up.”

The FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™ will be the very first time the showpiece tournament heads to South America as eight Host Cities from Porto Alegre in the south to Fortaleza in Northeast Brazil welcome the world. It will be the second edition since the competition's expansion to 32 teams.

Canali believes that the tournament will serve as a milestone in Brazilian football, increasing the interest and participation of girls around the nation.

“I’ve never had the chance to watch a FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil: I was born in Brazil, but I’ve never experienced one here. So the possibility of having girls see the players and the national team in person will have an even bigger impact on women’s football.

“The tournament will inspire the next generation to keep going to believe in themselves and will have a huge impact on women’s football, not only in Brazil, but all around the world.”