After an exciting 3-2 comeback victory over Australia, the United States Cerebral Palsy Women’s National Team was crowned 2026 IFCPF Women’s World Cup champion at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. The title marked redemption for the Americans, who rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat the defending world champions after finishing as runners-up to Australia in 2024.
The United States reached the final after a dominant tournament that included a 15-0 semifinal victory over Ireland before facing Australia. The Americans stormed back behind second-half goals from Catarina Guimaraes, Jesslyn Kuhnel, and Annie Wickett to secure the dramatic 3-2 victory and lift the World Cup trophy on U.S. soil for the first time.
Bella Stankunas, a Trappe, Pa., native and current member of the West Chester University women’s soccer program, was part of the historic championship squad. Stankunas represented the United States at the tournament in Spain in 2024. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is honored and proud to have an alum represent us as a new World Champion!
