The 2026 Under-20 World Cup is set to kick off in Poland, with the United States drawn into Group D to square off against Italy, Japan, and New Zealand. In additionto the potential for glory, the competition offers a glimpse at the next generation of talent, including several who are already making an impact as professionals. Linda Ullmark is stepping up during her first season, having found her goal-scoring touch within a few months. The 20-year-old Houston Dash midfielder was recently named the National
Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Month for July and appears to be just getting started.
Born in San Diego, California, Ullmark livedwith her military family and playedwith local sides Brasil and Madrid in Okinawa, Japan, before relocating to Buffalo, New York. In addition to lacrosse, basketball, and squash, she played soccer with the Nichols School, was namedthe New York State Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023 and Class B Player of the Year, and was selectedto the All-Western New York and New York All-State first teams and the All-American Game. Her club days were spent with the Western New York Flash, and the well-traveled prospect twice received Elite Clubs National League Ohio Valley All-Conference citations; TopDrawerSoccer ratedher as a four-star recruit.
“I just liked running,” Ullmark toldthe Nichols Talk Podcast. “I used to be a forward, but then I just liked creating plays on the ball, not always just shooting and running. I am super athletic, so running back, defending, and then getting forward, and being able to play those balls, it’s really fun being able to be creative on the ball … Living in Japan [contributed to my soccer skills]. I just experienced some things that no other kids in America, at least, have had in their tactical abilities. [That] really helped me.”
Eschewing offersfrom Harvard and Florida State, Ullmark matriculated at the legendary University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill program. In her first season, she contributedsix goals and five assists (starting in all 27 matches) and “played an integral role” as the Tar Heels claimed the national title for the first time in over a decade, being named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and All-Tournament Team and NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team. As a sophomore, the midfielderadded seven goals and eight assists in 21 appearances, receiving Third Team All-ACC, Second Team All-Atlantic Region, and Fourth Team All-America awards. Her summers were spent with FC Buffalo in the amateur USL W League.
Turning down two remaining years of collegiate eligibility, Ullmark entered the professional ranks and signed a four-year contract with the Houston Dash. She was in thestarting lineup to open the schedule and has grown into a key contributor, notching her first assist the following week in a 3-0 win over Boston Legacy and first finish in July’s 2-2 draw with the Denver Summit. Thus far, the midfielder has tallied three goals and three assists in 21 matches and was named the NWSL Rookie of the Month for July.
“I kind of knew before coming into the NWSL [that] it was going to be rough, gritty, and I mean, all the players are so great,” saidUllmark. “Kind of just playing with the quick pace, you know. I think developing and getting more experience is also going to help; quick decisions and then just finding ways to contribute to goals and assists and stuff like that … I definitely want to contribute to some goals and be more creative in the attacking phase and work on my defensive play, as well.”
At the international level, Ullmark beganreceiving call-ups for the United States in the Under-17 age group. She was a member of the squad that reached the semifinalof the 2025 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, scoring twice in four appearances and being selected to the Best XI. Head coach Vicky Jepson named her to the roster for the upcoming Under-20 World Cup, which runs from September 5th through the 27th in Poland.
“I’m so excited and I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” Ullmark sharedwith local media. “We have a really good group heading there. So, hopefully we can go there and just win the whole thing.”
Standing at five feet, five inches tall, Ullmark canplay central midfielder, winger, and striker and is a reliable chance creator with regular success dribbling at opponents and recovering possession, particularly in advanced areas. Observers praiseher as “calm on the ball, especially in one-on-one situations, a natural-born finisher with great speed, and able to find the space between defenders and make excellent runs.” She has the confidence to work her way through tight areas and set up her shots, finding or forming crucial pockets in the box before unleashing attempts with power and at difficult angles.
The Under-20 World Cup is an opportunity for players to compete against some of the best global talent while succeeding at another level of the international pyramid. Ullmark already played a starring role during qualifying and is emerging as one of the top young talents in the NWSL, both as a creator and a finisher. She has the opportunity to further distinguish herself and improve on what has been a stellar 2026, with the potential to force her way into the conversation for the senior team at a crucial juncture.
