Angel City FC’s Gisele Thompson headed to U-20 World Cup

The 18-year-old defender from Harvard-Westlake High, who is in her first NWSL season, will be on the roster for next month's tournament in Colombia

Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson has been selected to the U.S. U-20 team for next month’s FIFA World Cup in Colombia.

Thompson, who is in her rookie season with Angel City, was a member of the U-20 team that helped secure qualification and will be competing in her second youth World Cup. She was on the U-17 team for the World Cup in 2022 in India.

Thompson, 18, made her NWSL debut in the season opener against Bay FC as a late-game substitute. Her last eight league appearances were all in the starting lineup.

Thompson is one of several players with Southern California ties on the roster, joining Cal goalkeeper Teegan Wy (Santa Margarita High), Bay FC defender Savy King (Agoura High) and Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos (San Dimas High and UCLA).

The roster consists of eight professionals.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have this group of young and talented players represent us at the U-20 Women’s World Cup,” coach Tracy Kevins. “We are grateful to the NWSL clubs and colleges that collaborated with us on the release of their players to provide them with the unique opportunity to represent their country on the biggest international stage for their age group.”

The U.S. opens group play Sept. 1 against defending U-20 champion Spain, followed by games against Morocco (Sept. 4) and Paraguay (Sept. 7).

“The U-20 age group has provided many players with the opportunity to take another step towards playing for our Women’s National Team and the experience of playing in World Cup tournament is not something you can replicate,” Kevins said. “I know as a group they are all excited to test themselves on the world stage as they all strive to take their soccer careers to the next level.”

The tournament runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 22. This is the first time the tournament will feature 24 teams.