Lessons Learned by USWNT…

The United States women’s national team (USWNT) has just completed what may become a crucial international window in their approach to the 2027 World Cup.

Framing their series with Japan—Asia’s champions—the USWNT experienced a loss amidst two standout victories, which will significantly aid this younger squad’s development. Coach Emma Hayes gleaned insights into which players are best positioned for World Cup competition and the optimal player combinations to challenge a strong team.

Beginning with a 2-1 victory on April 11, the Americans then fell 1-0 on April 14 with a completely different lineup. They rounded off the series with a dominant 3-0 win on Friday, nearly fielding their first-choice lineup. This impressive win showcased their strength against one of the world’s top-five women’s teams, despite Japan being led by an interim coach.

Here are five key takeaways from the USWNT’s recent international window.

Possession and Creativity Define the USWNT Approach

Japan has garnered praise for its attractive possession game since surprising the world with its 2011 World Cup victory. However, like Japan, the USWNT’s identity has evolved over the years.

While traditionally recognized for their athleticism and counter-attacking capabilities—common in NWSL play—the portrayal of the USWNT simply playing long balls is now outdated. Their recent three-game series demonstrated their progress to those who may have not been paying attention.

According to ESPN Insights, the USWNT maintained over 60% possession in all three matches against Japan, and in Friday’s 3-0 victory, they made nearly twice as many passes (635) as Japan, who registered only 0.14 expected goals.

After the match, Hayes noted, “If you took away the team crests and asked people, ‘Which team is which?’ most would likely switch them,” referring to the USWNT’s statistical dominance. “To win the biggest things, you have to have the ball.”

Throughout the week, Hayes emphasized that possession should be purposeful. While the Americans occasionally struggled with precision in the final third, they delivered strong performances on Friday. Rose Lavelle’s goal stemming from a deep midfield run and a near miss from Claire Hutton demonstrated their effectiveness.

The USWNT effectively navigated Japan’s high press in their first meeting by finding space rather than panicking. Full back Emily Fox often linked up with a central midfielder, enabling rapid one-or-two-touch passes to winger Trinity Rodman, showcasing a new dynamic. Hayes had previously criticized the team’s creativity, but they have clearly turned a corner.

Hayes commented on the team’s growth, stating, “We can break down teams more effectively than we could in the past, moving beyond relying on a singular moment of brilliance,” showcasing a shift in their attacking play.

Opportunity for Inexperienced Players

The second game against Japan featured a markedly different and less experienced lineup, resulting in a 1-0 loss amidst rainy conditions in Seattle. The team’s precision faltered, with several misplaced passes and missed opportunities up front.

While this match marked the toughest outing of the three, it may prove vital for determining depth and selecting the final roster. The USWNT frequently tests players in such scenarios, similar to earlier World Cup cycles where new talent faced top teams—journeys that ultimately didn’t hinder their success in winning the World Cup.

The loss offered younger players invaluable experience against a formidable opponent. Notably, 18-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes learned the pace necessary to compete at this level, and full back Lilly Reale witnessed the nuances of deceptive opponents like Maika Hamano.

These real-game experiences will resonate with the team as they prepare for the World Cup. Reflecting on the loss, Hayes employed a cooking metaphor, likening the process of learning to master strategies as akin to recreating a complex dish.

Claudia Dickey Emerges as a Goalkeeping Contender

Phallon Tullis-Joyce had been viewed as the budding No. 1 goalkeeper, following her impressive debut against Brazil. Although Hayes previously asserted Tullis-Joyce’s lead over Dickey, this window may have reversed that momentum in Dickey’s favor.

Dickey effectively showcased her skills across both wins and displayed confidence on critical stops, including a key save against Riko Ueki to maintain the lead.

Adopting a calm presence in goal and contributing to the build-up play, Dickey potentially solidified her position as the first-choice keeper for the USWNT in their 3-5-2 formation.

Sophia Wilson‘s Seamless Return

Wilson made her highly anticipated comeback to the USWNT after welcoming a child in September, appearing as though she never missed a beat by the third match.

Wilson showcased her trademark brilliance, starting in two games and shining in the third with her attacking presence. From a near goal to driving powerful shots from distance, Wilson displayed her elite skills, including a dazzling play escaping a double team to fuel an offensive counterattack.

With the No. 9 position still contested between Wilson and injured Catarina Macario, Wilson reaffirmed her capability to lead the front line as she did during the 2024 Olympic gold medal campaign.

Rising Stars: Gisele Thompson, Hutton, and Wesley

Following a SheBelieves Cup that marked progress, full back Gisele Thompson may have secured a spot in the starting XI this window. Hayes praised Thompson’s “fantastic” performance in the first match, highlighting her relentless pressure gameplay leading to turnovers and goal opportunities.

Thompson’s synergy with her sister, winger Alyssa, was notable, displaying potential for a dynamic partnership moving forward. Despite some mistakes—including leaving Ueki onside for Japan’s goal—Thompson’s stock rose during this camp.

Center back Kennedy Wesley also made significant progress, contributing a goal and an assist off corners within 20 minutes after checking into the Friday match. Her advancement is evident as she competed in the first game alongside Naomi Girma, indicating her rise in the center-back hierarchy since her debut last October.

Midfielder Claire Hutton also enjoyed a defining window. Earning recognition as one of the best holding midfielders within the NWSL, Hutton recently made history as the youngest player to start as captain for the USWNT in 25 years. Her performance against Japan illustrated her increasing trust from Hayes and hints at her importance in the USWNT’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.