Paz has been central to Argentina’s progress into the last 16. The 17-year-old scored the opening goal in the 3-2 win over Mexico, having already found the net four times against Benin.
Her displays have been built on pace, intelligent movement and composed finishing. That form follows a rapid rise: Paz became Argentina’s youngest senior international goalscorer when she scored against Uruguay in 2025, before joining Inter after coming through River Plate’s pathway.
Spain’s Celia Segura has offered a different but equally decisive threat. The 19-year-old scored four goals against New Caledonia and created Pau Comendador’s goal against China with a back-heel assist. A Barcelona academy product, Segura is due to join Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan after the tournament.
England’s Rachel Maltby has combined versatility with reliable production. The Aston Villa player has scored four goals and supplied one assist, operating at left-back and on the wing. Three of her goals have come from penalties, converted with either foot.
Canada’s Annabelle Chukwu changed the match against England after coming off the bench, scoring in a 1-1 draw. She then struck twice in the 6-0 win over Tanzania, taking her youth international record to 28 goals in 34 appearances.
China centre-back Huang Jiaxin has provided an unusual attacking outlet, scoring a hat-trick inside 12 minutes against New Caledonia. Brazil’s Evelin, meanwhile, has scored twice against Tanzania and added two assists after developing through Santos’ academy.
The knockout stage will test whether Paz and Segura can maintain their influence against stronger opposition. For Maltby, Chukwu, Huang and Evelin, the next matches offer another chance to turn tournament impact into senior international momentum.