TORONTO, ON (September 29, 2026) – The future of Canadian women’s soccer is on the world stage, and AFC Toronto Academy is proudly represented.

Five AFC Toronto Academy players have been selected to represent Canada at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking the first national team call-ups since the AFC Toronto Academy officially launched this August.

Ailish Hennessy, Gabriela Istocki, Isabella Lanzillotta, Iris Oppong and Paige Rueffer will join Canada’s U-17 Women’s National Team for the tournament in Morocco, where Canada will face Brazil, Norway and Ghana in the group stage.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for our Academy and for these five players,” said Marc Maunder, AFC Toronto Academy Director. “To have five players selected to represent Canada at a FIFA World Cup so soon after the launch of our Academy is a tremendous reflection of their talent, commitment and potential. It also speaks to what we are building here at AFC Toronto – an environment where young players can develop, compete and take the next step in their journey. We could not be more proud of them, and we are excited to see them represent Canada on the world stage.”

The selections represent a significant early milestone for the fully funded AFC Toronto Academy, which was established to provide elite young players with a professional club environment and a pathway to the highest levels of the game.

The recognition also continues a growing connection between AFC Toronto’s Academy and first-team environment. Istocki and Lanzillotta have both dressed for AFC Toronto’s First Team this season through the Northern Super League’s Youth Development Program, gaining valuable experience around the professional squad.

Canada opens the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against Brazil on October 18, before facing Norway on October 21 and Ghana on October 24. All three group-stage matches will take place at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup selections provide an early glimpse of the talent emerging through AFC Toronto’s Academy and the broader opportunity to develop the next generation of Canadian women’s soccer players within a professional club environment.

CANADA’S FIFA U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
October 18
Canada vs. Brazil
10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT

October 21
Canada vs. Norway
10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT

October 24
Ghana vs. Canada
10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT

All matches will be played at the Women’s Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.