Kennedy & Malsom Called Up For Women’s U-17 FIFA World Cup
September 30, 2025 | Women's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – U.S. Soccer released the 21-player roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Tuesday morning. University of North Carolina women's soccer team members Riley Kennedy and Lauren Malsom highlight the roster. The duo will head to Morocco with team USA Oct. 17-Nov. 8.
Kennedy and Malsom are no strangers to the U.S. Youth National Team. Both have competed and trained with the U-17 team throughout the year, and most recently played in a pair of international friendlies against Spain with the squad. Malsom had an impressive showing in Spain as she recorded a goal for the red, white, and blue. The forward also competed with the U-17 Team when they won the 4 Nations Tournament in Mexico back in August.
Kennedy also gained experience with the team at the Concacaf Women's U-17 Qualifiers. The midfielder recorded a goal while helping the U.S. qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup.
The national team will open the tournament against Ecuador (3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. local) on Saturday Oct. 18. The U.S. will continue Group C play in a matchup with China PR Oct. 21 (12 p.m. ET/5 p.m. local) and against Norway Oct. 24 (9 a.m. ET/2 p.m. local).
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will now feature 24 nations, up from the previous 16. The 24 countries are divided into six groups with four teams each. After round-robin play, the top two teams in each group and the four best third-place finishers will advance to the round of 16. Beginning in the round of 16, the competition becomes a knockout tournament.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Kennedy and Malsom are no strangers to the U.S. Youth National Team. Both have competed and trained with the U-17 team throughout the year, and most recently played in a pair of international friendlies against Spain with the squad. Malsom had an impressive showing in Spain as she recorded a goal for the red, white, and blue. The forward also competed with the U-17 Team when they won the 4 Nations Tournament in Mexico back in August.
Kennedy also gained experience with the team at the Concacaf Women's U-17 Qualifiers. The midfielder recorded a goal while helping the U.S. qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup.
The national team will open the tournament against Ecuador (3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. local) on Saturday Oct. 18. The U.S. will continue Group C play in a matchup with China PR Oct. 21 (12 p.m. ET/5 p.m. local) and against Norway Oct. 24 (9 a.m. ET/2 p.m. local).
The 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup will now feature 24 nations, up from the previous 16. The 24 countries are divided into six groups with four teams each. After round-robin play, the top two teams in each group and the four best third-place finishers will advance to the round of 16. Beginning in the round of 16, the competition becomes a knockout tournament.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder/Forward
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