da blaze casino： The USWNT, Canada, Colombia and Brazil boast some of the tournament's best young stars, but there are also some real gems among the smaller nations…

da brwin： There are plenty of intriguing narratives to keep an eye on as the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup kicks off in the United States on Tuesday. Perhaps no nation harbors more interest than the host as the U.S. women’s national team participates in its first tournament in the post-Vlatko Andonovski era – its a youthful roster only adding to the fascination.

By no means is it the only nation entering a new chapter, either. Brazil and Canada both suffered shock group-stage exits at last summer’s World Cup and each come into the Gold Cup with notable changes, the South American side having appointed a new coach while Canada has bid farewell to its iconic forward, Christine Sinclair.

There are more optimistic stories, too. Colombia made a statement Down Under with its historic run to the World Cup quarter-finals; the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and El Salvador are making rare appearances at a significant tournament; while Mexico’s performances will intrigue after Liga MX Femenil’s steep rise has coincided with some disappointing years for the national team.

But among all of that, storylines regarding individuals will also emerge. There will be breakout stars, names making headlines that few have heard of and new hype trains to board. So, before the tournament gets underway, GOAL has picked out some of the young stars, all aged 21 or under, to keep an eye on…

Getty ImagesKorbin Albert (United States)

There have been several debutantes for the USWNT in recent months, with Korbin Albert the latest name to claim that first cap in December. The 20-year-old midfielder is one of several young American talents to have chosen to forgo part of their college career to turn pro, doing so just over 12 months ago when she flew to France and signed for Paris Saint-Germain. It has quickly proved to be a smart decision as she’s already a regular starter for one of the biggest and best teams in Europe.

That experience at the highest level will no doubt help Albert as she sets her sights on becoming a fixture with the USWNT. She is not a starter right now, but her dynamism, superb passing range and ability to strike from range can all be assets for the team from the bench, for sure.

AdvertisementGettySimi Awujo (Canada)

Simi Awujo was the second-youngest member of Canada's World Cup squad last summer, and while she might not have seen any action as the Olympic champion suffered a shocking and disappointing group-stage exit, she’s been granted a few opportunities in the months since and goes into this Gold Cup looking a lot more likely to have an impact.

Able to play as a holding midfielder or as a more attack-minded one, Awujo is still only 20 years old and has a very bright future. Tournaments like this will no doubt play a key role in accelerating her development and neutrals will hope to see her talent on show this time.

GettyLinda Caicedo (Colombia)

One of the hottest properties in the women’s game, Linda Caicedo's 2023 was quite something. She was unveiled as a Real Madrid player just two days after her 18th birthday and, a few months later, she took the Women’s World Cup by storm as Colombia enjoyed its best-ever tournament.

Her goal against Germany in the group stages was absolutely outstanding, cementing her status as one of the most exciting talents on the planet and announcing her to the world after a promising start to life in Spain.

With Mayra Ramirez, the Chelsea striker, not part of Colombia’s Gold Cup squad, there will be even more emphasis on Caicedo to perform. As someone who has worn the armband for her country at youth level and who represents one of the biggest clubs around, such pressure won’t bother her. She has the mindset and the talent to not just cope, but thrive.

GettyJailene de Jesus (Puerto Rico)

Unlikely qualifier Puerto Rico has a very young squad, with 11 of the names on its roster aged 21 or under, and Jailene de Jesus is one of those who people should be excited to get a glimpse of on this stage. The 20-year-old anticipates play well, she loves to get in dangerous areas to score goals and she’s composed in those moments, too.

The winger’s brace against El Salvador last summer demonstrated these raw talents in various ways, and this Gold Cup experience should only aid her development further.