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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Forwards Sophia Wilson and defender Tierna Davidson are set to make their returns to the United States women’s national team this month for the first time in over a year.
Both players were named to the 26-player roster by USWNT head coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday.
The USWNT will face Japan three times within the week of April 11-17.
Hayes stated in a virtual news conference, “I have remained in contact with [Wilson] and we talked regularly; this absolutely feels like the right time. Not just because she’s playing again at a high level, but it’s crucial for us to reintegrate players like Sophia into the rhythm ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.”
Wilson, 25, last represented the USWNT in late 2024, notably scoring three goals at the Olympics that secured the gold medal for the team. She missed the entire 2025 NWSL season due to maternity leave, welcoming her first child in September.
With 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USWNT, Wilson has participated in all four matches for the Portland Thorns this NWSL season, making her first start on Saturday.
Her return marks a reunion with forward Trinity Rodman, another member of the “Triple Espresso” trio that contributed to the USWNT’s fifth Olympic gold medal. The third member, Mallory Swanson, remains on maternity leave after missing all of 2025.
The trio accounted for 10 of the USWNT’s 12 goals during the 2024 Olympics. Davidson last played for the team in February 2025 but tore her ACL at the start of the 2025 NWSL season.
Davidson has made her comeback with Gotham at the beginning of the 2026 NWSL season, playing 74 minutes across three matches thus far.
With 67 caps and part of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad, Davidson also featured in four of six games at the 2024 Olympics, including key matches in the semifinal and final after recovering from a minor injury mid-tournament.
“She’s had quite a journey,” Hayes remarked about Davidson. “[She has] demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to return to peak performance. I’m genuinely excited for many reasons. She’s not just a great player but also a brilliant individual, a thoughtful person who poses challenges to me. I truly enjoy her company and look forward to welcoming her back.”
For the upcoming matches against Japan, both players will have restricted minutes, paving the way for opportunities for Jameese Joseph and Ally Sentnor in attacking roles.
Hayes has chosen a roster for the second consecutive camp without any uncapped players, moving away from the extensive experimentation seen in her first year, where 32 players debuted in 32 matches — a record.
In March, the USWNT claimed the SheBelieves Cup, triumphing over Argentina, Canada, and Colombia.
Among the call-ups is goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who has impressed with the Houston Dash at the start of the 2026 NWSL season. Despite being the most experienced goalkeeper in the squad with 10 caps, she remains as the No. 3 choice.
Jaedyn Shaw will also join the team during training camp, despite facing limitations due to a hamstring injury with Gotham FC
Hayes indicated Shaw should be prepared to play in one of the games against Japan.
“Building connections among the players is essential — it’s about teamwork. We must maintain the core of the team together for as long as possible to cultivate relationships both on and off the pitch,” Hayes commented. “That’s my priority. Sometimes tough decisions need to be made, as I have done with Tierna and Jaedyn.”
Several players from the SheBelieves Cup roster will not be included in this USWNT lineup, primarily due to injuries.
The upcoming matches against Japan promise to be challenging, especially with the teams facing each other in quick succession.
The Nadeshiko recently clinched the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, winning against hosts Australia with a 1-0 victory in the final and outscoring opponents 29-1 throughout the tournament.
The US and Japan will clash on April 11 in San Jose, California; again on April 14 in Seattle; and finally on April 17 outside Denver.
Hayes shared that she plans to rely on one squad for two of the matches and a different group for the other, focusing on player rotation and depth development.
“While I am keen on winning, my main goal isn’t solely results today,” she stated. “Instead, it’s about providing exposure for players. This is an excellent opportunity; Japan is the Asian champion and undoubtedly one of the best teams globally. Their squad is well-developed, with over 17 players competing in the WSL. They are certainly favorites for the World Cup.”
USWNT Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals) – April 2026 Matches vs. Japan
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 6)
DEFENDERS (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 67/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 74/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 52/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 10/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 7/0), Emily Sams (Angel City FC; 9/1), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 115/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 7/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 4/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, ENG; 44/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 173/39), Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 15/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 118/27), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 15/5), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 34/10), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 16/1)
FORWARDS (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 10/1), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 4/1), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 52/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 17/6), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 18/7), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 29/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 58/24)