CHARLOTTE, NC (August 21, 2026) – The England Football Association today announced that Carolina Ascent FC midfielder B Hylton has been named to England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Hylton, 19, earns her place on the final World Cup roster after being a consistent presence with England throughout the tournament’s buildup. The midfielder has been called into each of England’s preparation camps in 2026, including the team’s final pre-tournament camp in Portugal earlier this month, where she played all 90 minutes.
The selection marks the latest milestone in Hylton’s rapid rise through the England youth national team setup. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Hylton has earned six call-ups with England across the U-19 and U-20 levels. She netted her first international goal with the Young Lionesses in March, scoring against the Netherlands.
“We are all delighted for B,” Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach Philip Poole said. “I know she is proud to play for England and understands how important this step is for her young career. She deserves this opportunity based on the work she has put in.
“B is ‘one of our own,’ born and raised in the Carolinas, and we are all excited to see her back in an Ascent jersey upon the conclusion of the World Cup. While we are keen for the USA to do well, we will all be watching one of our own represent England over the next few weeks.”
Hylton is the first professional player in Carolina Ascent history to earn a World Cup call-up while on the club’s roster. Goalkeeper Molly Vapensky previously earned a call-up to the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with the United States while playing for Carolina on an academy contract.
The locally grown Charlotte product made 11 appearances for Carolina Ascent during the 2025/26 season after becoming the first player from the club’s academy pathway to sign a professional contract.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5-27. England has been drawn into Group B alongside Brazil, Tanzania and Canada.
England will open group-stage play against Canada on September 5 before facing Brazil on September 8 and Tanzania on September 11. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 16. All of England’s group stage matches will be available to watch on Fox Sports 2.
Carolina Ascent wishes B the best as she embarks on this special opportunity to represent her country on the world stage.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
