Gotham FC's Mak Whitham Called Up to U.S. U-17 Roster for Japan Friendlies

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (June 22, 2026) – Gotham FC forward Mak Whitham has been named to the United States Under-17 Women’s National Team roster for a pair of international matches in Japan.

The United States will face Japan on July 3 and July 6 at Prince Takamado Memorial JFA YUME Field in Chiba as part of its preparation for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year.

Whitham is one of two professional players named to the 20-player roster and returns to the U.S. U-17 squad after helping the Americans qualify for the World Cup at the 2026 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship in Costa Rica. The United States won all three group-stage matches in qualifying, outscoring opponents 32-0.

A key contributor during qualifying, Whitham scored five goals, the second-most on the team. She enters the upcoming camp with eight career caps and seven goals at the U-17 level.

The Gotham FC forward also brings World Cup experience to the squad. Whitham represented the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and scored against Norway, becoming one of three players on the current roster with experience from the previous U-17 cycle.

Whitham has made one appearance for Gotham FC during the 2026 NWSL season and has appeared in seven career NWSL regular season matches.

The United States qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and will face Samoa, China PR and a to-be-determined African representative in group play. The tournament will take place in Morocco from Oct. 17-Nov. 8.