Brazil U-20 Coach Orlando Targets Attacking Identity at World Cup

Brazil's under-20 women's national team is set to begin its campaign at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™ against Tanzania on 5 September. The South American side, competing in its 12th appearance, is aiming to reach the final for the first time in the tournament's history. Head coach Camilla Orlando has made clear her ambition: to build a team recognized for relentless attacking intent, mirroring the approach of the senior side under Arthur Elias.

An Attacking Philosophy

In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Orlando outlined her vision for the team. "We want this team to be known for their hunger to score at every opportunity," she said. "Everything we do is geared towards winning the ball back and, when we're in possession, getting forward and creating chances. Our focus is always on finding the back of the net. People can expect an attacking U-20 Seleção side who are constantly looking to threaten."

This attacking philosophy is not a rigid system, however. Orlando stressed that Brazil does not use a fixed tactical setup across age groups, noting that even the senior team frequently changes its formation. Instead, she wants a "chameleon-like" Canarinha side capable of adapting to the demands of each specific match.

Adaptability and Tactical Intelligence

"There is alignment in terms of our approach," Orlando explained. "We want Brazil's U-20 women's team to be an attacking, aggressive side, but that doesn't necessarily mean adopting the exact same style of play as the senior team. We are working on building a squad who can adapt to the demands of each game."

She emphasized the importance of developing players who are not only technically gifted but also tactically aware. "We want more tactically aware players who know when to trust their instincts without relying on them entirely. They need to understand tactical structures, patterns of play and how to exploit space. We want them to combine that intelligence with courage, character, a hunger for goals and a desire to keep improving."

A Generation Shaped by Development

Orlando noted that each new crop of Brazilian players arrives at the U-20 World Cup better prepared than the last, thanks to the growth of the women's game and increased exposure to major competitions from an early age. "This is the first generation to have gone through the entire development pathway," she said.

That progress could accelerate the players' path to the senior side during a cycle that culminates in the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027™, where every Brazilian dreams of helping the Seleção lift the trophy for the first time. However, Orlando is cautious about making that possibility the U-20 side's primary mission. "Of course, we want to fast-track the development of certain players so they have a chance of making the World Cup squad," she stated. "For now, though, our focus is on performing well at the U-20 World Cup."

Inspiration from Senior Call-Ups

Recent examples are giving the players further cause to dream. Dudinha and Taina Maranhao scored in Brazil's FIFA Series™ win over Korea Republic in April, while Tarciane and Luany also played during the event. Kaylane, Evelin, Clarinha and Thais Lima are all potential members of Orlando's Poland 2026 squad who have earned senior call-ups from Elias in recent months.

"Seeing those players shine inspires the girls to dream even bigger," Orlando said. "We also encourage them to think about the players they want to become, the example they want to set for the next generation and the challenges their predecessors overcame to bring us to this historic moment."

Wider Impact Beyond the Squad

Around 65 players have been involved with Brazil's U-20 side during the cycle, but only 21 will travel to the tournament. Orlando hopes the experience will indirectly benefit a much wider group than just those who are called up to the final squad. "That way, we can spread the World Cup experience more widely," she explained. "If we play with courage, tactical intelligence, commitment and respect for the Brazil shirt, while always looking to score, I will consider our work a success."