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By Jeff Kassouf
As we approach the 2027 U.S. women’s national team selection for the Women’s World Cup, the roster becomes clearer.
Before the recent October matches, head coach Emma Hayes indicated that the squad she called up would be the one most ready for World Cup qualifying. That youthful and inexperienced group faced a challenging 2-1 defeat against Portugal on October 23.
From that match, Hayes gleaned valuable lessons, and following wins against Portugal (in a rematch) and New Zealand, she gained insights she may not have secured with an easy win. Still, she faces a dilemma, prompting the return of our USWNT big board with the recurring question: If the World Cup started today, who would make the cut?
In this evaluation, players out due to long-term injuries or absences are excluded. While many believe forwards Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson will reclaim their spots after maternity leave, Hayes emphasizes working with current available players.
An intriguing aspect of our latest evaluation is the potential decision Hayes will have to make in 18 months: Should she include defender Naomi Girma or forward Trinity Rodman on the World Cup roster despite their ongoing injuries due to their exceptional talent?
How the USWNT Big Board Works
This year, Hayes has been experimenting with many players, and it seems even well-known players might play for the under-23 or under-20 teams if eligible. This adds complexity to our task, given that players in tiers two through four are often interchangeable.
We’ve been refining our list (including those on the bubble) after an expansive spring evaluation. Here’s how we categorize the players:
- Tier 1: Locks. These players are clear first choices vying for a starting position.
- Tier 2: In the squad. These players might not start but are available as substitutes.
- Tier 3: On the bubble. These players have earned senior team or U-23 call-ups but may not make the 23-player roster.
- Tier 4: Outside looking in. Like Tier 3, these players have had call-ups but are likely outside the 23-player roster.
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Goalkeepers
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Tullis-Joyce remains a strong contender to become the starting goalkeeper, though Claudia Dickey is making her case with her performances for Seattle Reign FC and her latest outings with the national team. Both are virtually guaranteed to travel to Brazil for the World Cup.
Currently, Mandy McGlynn looks to be the third-choice goalkeeper, but Murphy’s potential move to Boston Legacy FC could bring the former number two back into contention.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the starting position, Hayes’ recent selections suggest that the trio of goalkeepers is relatively settled.
Fullbacks
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Emily Fox is recognized as a Ballon d’Or-shortlisted, UEFA Women’s Champions League champion. Beyond her, Hayes is still experimenting with other options.
Avery Patterson currently appears to be the frontrunner to start alongside Fox. The dynamic 23-year-old excels at pushing forward and engaging in offensive play. Lilly Reale has also shown remarkable promise during her limited time at the senior level. Though Alyssa Thompson is the most talented in terms of long-term potential, she needs more exposure at the top level.
Crystal Dunn, a standout fullback from the 2019 World Cup, has been struggling to secure minutes at Paris Saint-Germain and has been overlooked by Hayes recently.
Center Backs
Should Hayes take a chance on Girma for the World Cup even if she’s only at 80% health? An emphatic yes, especially given Hayes’ high regard for her. The 25-year-old has faced multiple calf injuries since joining Chelsea in January but remains the top defender for the USWNT.
Jordyn Bugg is likely to be her long-term defensive partner, and Hayes appreciates the 19-year-old’s potential. Gaining experience in a senior World Cup so early in her career would be invaluable.
Emily Sonnett is the only veteran defender fully fit, frequently relied upon by Hayes, particularly with Tierna Davidson still unavailable.
Tara McKeown has shown consistent improvement this NWSL season transitioning from forward to center-back, while Emily Sams provides a steadying influence, albeit with limited minutes.
Midfielders
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Locks:
Sam Coffey,
Rose Lavelle,
Lily Yohannes,
Lindsey Heaps -
In the squad:
Claire Hutton -
On the bubble:
Jaedyn Shaw,
Lo’eau LaBonta,
Croix Bethune,
Sam Meza -
Outside looking in:
Korbin Shrader,
Riley Jackson,
Taylor Huff,
Sarah Schupansky,
Abi Brighton,
Gia Corley
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The clarity in the USWNT’s midfield seems to be improving. Yohannes exhibits maturity beyond her years, Coffey is the dependable anchor of the team, and Lavelle has regained her “magical” form, according to Hayes.
Heaps captains the squad and demonstrates tactical awareness, but competition in midfield is fiercer than ever. Over the next 18 months, Hayes’ most pressing challenge is determining the ideal midfield combination. Changing one player can disrupt the entire balance, and these answers become increasingly urgent as 2027 approaches.
Shaw is regaining her form, although her progress may not be linear as she reintegrates into the squad. Notably, both she and long-time U23 player Shrader (now known as Albert) were absent from recent camps. Shrader, a member of the 2024 Olympic gold medal team, has begun a promising season with OL Lyonnes following her summer transfer from Paris.
Interestingly, longtime German youth international Gia Corley is currently on the outskirts of selection, having recently joined the U.S. U23 camp.
Forwards
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Locks:
Catarina Macario,
Alyssa Thompson -
In the squad:
Trinity Rodman -
On the bubble:
Ally Sentnor,
Emma Sears,
Michelle Cooper,
Olivia Moultrie,
Yazmeen Ryan -
Outside looking in:
Mia Fishel,
Emeri Adames,
Riley Tiernan,
Maddie Dahlien,
Jameese Joseph,
Pietra Tordin
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Similar to Girma, the question arises: Should Rodman be included in the World Cup squad even with an injury? Absolutely. Although the extent of her MCL sprain is uncertain, indications suggest she might return for the upcoming NWSL playoffs. Some might remember the 2016 Olympics, where bringing an injured star backfired, but this situation is different. Unlike the 18-player roster back then, the current roster allows for 23 (potentially 26), and Rodman is an essential game-changer, especially with Wilson and Swanson sidelined.
Realistically, other than Macario and Thompson, everyone else is on the bubble, but tough choices need to be made. So, let’s dive into those selections.
Potential USWNT Roster if the World Cup Started Today
Goalkeepers: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn
Defenders: Emily Fox, Avery Patterson, Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Naomi Girma, Emily Sams, Jordyn Bugg, Tara McKeown
Midfielders: Sam Coffey, Rose Lavelle, Lily Yohannes, Lindsey Heaps, Claire Hutton, Jaedyn Shaw
Forwards: Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson, Trinity Rodman, Ally Sentnor, Olivia Moultrie, Michelle Cooper
The uncertainty in the defense, particularly surrounding Girma’s injury, may force Hayes to take an extra player from that group. Emily Sams brings versatility, while Tara McKeown serves as both a developing center back and a strategic option, particularly if the USWNT needs to push for a goal late in a game.
Including Rodman is a calculated risk, which depends on Shaw maintaining her form — something we believe Hayes would prioritize right now. This decision places pressure on the forward ranks, with Emma Sears and Yazmeen Ryan being the two most challenging cuts to make. While both have shown flashes of brilliance (Sears even netted a hat trick against New Zealand), Moultrie’s recent brace against Portugal stands out, as does her versatility to adjust tactics away from typical winger play.
As time progresses, not only will this roster evolve, but so will the positional balance as newer talents emerge and seasoned players regain fitness. Should this roster be submitted to FIFA today, it would reflect a mix of inexperience and innovation alongside promising potential.