The SheBelieves Cup is almost here! The USWNT is back in their first tournament since bringing home the gold medal in the 2024 summer Olympics.
USA fans will see a completely different Women’s National Team for the SheBelieves Cup than the team saw last summer. As a new era begins in the US organization, the fans said goodbye to legends like Alex Morgan and Kelly O’Hara, and hello to the fresh, young faces.
Head coach Emma Hayes recently announced the roster she will be taking to her first SheBelieves Cup (SBC), naming 10 players to play in their first ever SBC – Michelle Cooper, Clair Hutton, Mandy McGlynn, Tara McKeown, Yazmeen Ryan, Emily Sams, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson and Gisele Thompson. Lily Yohannes was on the roster last year, but never saw the field.
This tournament is an opportunity for the young players to prove themselves ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With this young roster, the pressure is on as the USA just claimed their spot back on top of the soccer world.
There are only a select few players USWNT fans know and love that will be taking the field. Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Heaps (Horan), Lynn Biyendolo (Williams) Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Jenna Nighswoger, Korbin Albert, Jaedyn Shaw, Catarina Macario, Jane Campbell, and Sam Coffey all will be making their return.
Unfortunately, some of the USA's best players are missing due to injuries or personal reasons. This list includes Mal Swanson, Sophia Wilson (Smith), Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma. After the Olympics, these players made their mark and their absence in the lineup will be noticed. But, it gives the younger players an opportunity to fill those spots. Another noticeable player missing, Rose Lavelle, the crafty midfielder, is recovering from an injury.
Swanson is the all-time top goal scorer in this tournament with eight goals. The next player on this current roster that has cracked the top goal scorers is Macario, with just two goals. With the lack of goal scoring in the lineup, these young players have a clear opportunity to make their mark if they can find the back of the net.
The USWNT will play their first game in the SBC on Feb. 20 against Colombia. Followed by two more games against Japan and Australia the week after. The five-time reigning champions will look to win their sixth consecutive championship and their eighth all time title.
Which young player will we see make the most out of their first ever SBC?
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