Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Dunn earns Call-Up to New Zealand U-20 World Cup Squad
8/18/2026 3:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Sophomore defender/midfielder Charli Dunn has been selected to New Zealand's squad for the FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup in Poland, New Zealand Football announced.
"It's an honor to be called up for the New Zealand team," Dunn said. "I love playing with all of the girls and I have great pride in wearing the fern. I love my country and the sport, and I'm just really excited and hope we do well."
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Dunn has represented her country at the U17, U19, and U20 levels, including as a member for the U-19 team that won the OFC World Cup qualifier in Papeete, Tahiti. The defender/midfielder also participated in New Zealand's U20 Pre-World Cup Tour in Australia in May of this year.
"I am really excited for Charli on her selection to represent New Zealand in the upcoming U20 Women's World Cup," Middle Tennessee head coach Aston Rhoden said. "It's such an honor and achievement to be able to play in a high level competition such as the World Cup. We wish her all the best and are confident she will represent herself, New Zealand, and our university to the best of her ability."
The tournament is set to take place between September 5-27, with New Zealand competing in Group D against Japan, Italy, and the United States. The Kiwis will kick off Group D play against Japan on Sept. 6 at 8:00 a.m. CT at Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, before facing Italy on Sept. 9 at 8:00 a.m. CT at the same venue. New Zealand will conclude its group stage at Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec against the United States on September 12 at 8:00 a.m. as it looks to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Coverage of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland will be available on FIFA+.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Stay up to date with Middle Tennessee Soccer on Instagram (@mt_wsoccer), X (@MT_Soccer), and Facebook (Middle Tennessee Soccer).
"It's an honor to be called up for the New Zealand team," Dunn said. "I love playing with all of the girls and I have great pride in wearing the fern. I love my country and the sport, and I'm just really excited and hope we do well."
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Dunn has represented her country at the U17, U19, and U20 levels, including as a member for the U-19 team that won the OFC World Cup qualifier in Papeete, Tahiti. The defender/midfielder also participated in New Zealand's U20 Pre-World Cup Tour in Australia in May of this year.
"I am really excited for Charli on her selection to represent New Zealand in the upcoming U20 Women's World Cup," Middle Tennessee head coach Aston Rhoden said. "It's such an honor and achievement to be able to play in a high level competition such as the World Cup. We wish her all the best and are confident she will represent herself, New Zealand, and our university to the best of her ability."
The tournament is set to take place between September 5-27, with New Zealand competing in Group D against Japan, Italy, and the United States. The Kiwis will kick off Group D play against Japan on Sept. 6 at 8:00 a.m. CT at Władysław Król Municipal Stadium in Łódź, before facing Italy on Sept. 9 at 8:00 a.m. CT at the same venue. New Zealand will conclude its group stage at Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec against the United States on September 12 at 8:00 a.m. as it looks to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Coverage of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland will be available on FIFA+.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Stay up to date with Middle Tennessee Soccer on Instagram (@mt_wsoccer), X (@MT_Soccer), and Facebook (Middle Tennessee Soccer).
Players Mentioned
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