Markesini Named to Canadian Squad for FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Princeton rising sophomore defender Zoe Markesini will play for Canada at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, set to begin on Aug. 31 in Colombia.

"Since the moment we met Zoe in the recruiting process, (associate head coach) Mike (Poller), (assistant coach) Chris (Duggan) and I could feel the pride she had for representing her home country of Canada," Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll said. "At that time, she was the captain of the U-17 national team and we promised our unwavering support if opportunities continued with Canada. When the U-20 World Cup dates were announced, we knew chances were high that she would be selected to the roster. Zoe's IQ, athleticism, comfort with the ball and defensive prowess are unmistakable. Both our staff and Canada's equally admire those qualities. However, it is her humility and gratitude, coupled with those attributes, that sets her apart. Our staff and players could not be happier for this well-deserved once in a lifetime moment for Zoe. We will be glued to the TV and cheering her on."

The 24-team event is split between the capital Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Canada is in a group with France, Fiji and Brazil, facing those teams respectively on Aug. 31, Sept. 3 and Sept. 6. The top two teams in the group will advance to the 16-team knockout round, as will four of the six third-place teams. The knockout round will begin on Sept. 11 with the final set for Sept. 22. Princeton teammate Pietra Tordin is playing in the event for Team USA, and with the U.S. and Canada in different groups, the earliest the teams could meet is in the knockout round.

It won't be the first time Markesini has represented Canada at a FIFA age-group Women's World Cup event. Two years ago, Markesini was part of the Canadian team at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India in 2022.

The event began in 2002 as the U-19 Women's World Cup before becoming a U-20 event in 2006. Canada's best finish in the event, held every two years except for the canceled 2020 event, was a runner-up finish in the first tournament in 2002. Canada's last trip to the knockout round was in 2014.

For Princeton, Markesini played in 18 games and made 13 starts in her rookie season last fall, playing in six shutouts.

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