Diz: We came to Poland to win

Mercedes Diz is unfazed by the age of her team-mates, the opposition or the size of the occasion. Whenever the 17-year-old takes to the pitch, she simply lets her outstanding ability do the talking.

On Tuesday, the highly-rated River Plate youngster reached another milestone in her remarkable rise, scoring her first goal at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™. She was not done there. After doubling Argentina’s lead against Benin with a crisp finish, she struck again early in the second half, controlling the ball superbly at pace before finding the net in an eventual 8-0 win.

After the match, a delighted Diz spoke to FIFA in the mixed zone at Arena Katowice.

“Honestly, it’s an incredible feeling and a huge source of pride,” she said. “I’d been waiting a while to get on the scoresheet, so a brace today with the help of my team-mates felt fantastic. I’m over the moon.”

After opening their campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Poland, Argentina responded in emphatic fashion. They now face Mexico on Friday, knowing one final push could secure their place in the Round of 16.

“We’re very happy,” Diz continued. “We’re ready to give everything because we came here to win. Mexico are next, and I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

Little known outside Argentina a year ago, the Albiceleste No9 has since progressed rapidly through the age groups. Her goals helped Argentina qualify both for Poland 2026 and for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™, which begins next month. On her senior debut back in June, she scored in a 1-1 draw with Peru to seal Argentina’s place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. No small feat.

Given her habit of making an impact wherever she plays, Diz is surely in contention to make the short trip to Brazil next year. The same is true of strike partner Annika Paz, three months her senior, who scored four times against Benin on Tuesday.

“They complement each other very well, despite being different types of player,” said head coach Christian Meloni. “One is more comfortable in the box, while the other likes to burst in at pace. One can lead the line and hold up play, while the other brings more movement off the ball.”

Meloni believes Diz and Paz already have a place in the senior Albiceleste side’s future.

“They’ve already stepped up to the senior team. They’re still young, of course, so there are always areas to work on. It’s another level, but they’re on the right track.”

For now, Diz is firmly focused on making her mark in Poland, though her thoughts inevitably drifted towards what may lie ahead.

“Right now, our focus is here, but of course you dream of being with the senior team in 2027,” she said. “First, though, we want to enjoy this experience with the U-20 side. We know we can achieve great things and we’re determined to go far in this tournament.”