Emma Hayes Strikes Strategic Balance in USWNT SheBelieves Cup Selection
United States women's national team head coach Emma Hayes has meticulously crafted a 26-player roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, skillfully blending seasoned veterans with promising young talent. The squad announcement marks a crucial step in preparation for the 2026 tournament, where the Americans will face Argentina, Canada, and Colombia during early March fixtures.
Expanded Roster Brings New Selection Challenges
This year introduces a significant format change, allowing teams to name 26 players for their SheBelieves Cup squads. However, coaches must still designate 23 available players for each individual match, creating strategic decisions about rotation and player management throughout the tournament.
"The SheBelieves Cup provides an excellent platform to simulate the group stage of a FIFA tournament," Hayes explained in the official federation statement. "Three high-quality matches in rapid succession help us replicate conditions that will prepare our team for the World Cup qualifying campaign this autumn. Our ongoing objective remains developing our player pool to enhance readiness and elevate performance standards through accumulated experience."
Goalkeeping Transition and Defensive Evolution
Following Alyssa Naeher's international retirement, Hayes has turned to her three most utilized goalkeepers. Phallon Tullis-Joyce returns to the national team setup for the first time since October, bringing impressive current form from Manchester United. Claudia Dickey and Mandy McGlynn gained valuable experience during November and January camps, mitigating effects of the NWSL offseason break.
The defensive unit combines established stars with emerging prospects. Naomi Girma of Chelsea, Emily Fox of Arsenal, and Emily Sonnett of Gotham provide veteran leadership, while several younger players compete for opportunities. Jordyn Bugg, Tara Rudd, and Kennedy Wesley will make their cases to partner Girma at center back. Gisele Thompson projects as Fox's understudy on the right flank, with reigning US Young Player of the Year Lilly Reale and Kate Wiesner contending for starting left back positions.
Midfield Depth and Forward Potential
The midfield showcases both experience and youthful energy. Sam Coffey returns after her transfer to Manchester City to anchor the central area. Lindsey Heaps will continue her captaincy role, while Rose Lavelle enters fresh from an outstanding 2025 campaign for both club and country.
Hayes has included several trusted young midfield options. Lily Yohannes offers exceptional facilitation and progression skills, while Claire Hutton demonstrates all-around poise in defensive midfield. Jaedyn Shaw seeks to build momentum following her late-season transfer to Gotham, which culminated in an NWSL Championship victory. Riley Jackson represents the least-tested selection, having debuted for the US in January but establishing herself as a regular club starter before turning twenty this offseason.
Notably absent is midfielder Catarina Macario. The Chelsea star, recently linked with potential NWSL moves, has been sidelined with injury since December 10 and was not included in the selection.
Forward Line Embraces Youthful Energy
The attacking contingent leans toward promising prospects, with Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson surprisingly serving as senior figures at just 23 and 21 years old respectively. They'll provide wing threat, complemented by Emma Sears' dangerous dribbling ability on the right flank. Maddie Dahlien offers versatility with pace and crossing proficiency as she alternates between left back and left wing positions.
Ally Sentnor projects to receive her most extensive opportunity yet as Hayes' primary striker, while Jameese Joseph aims to build upon her first USWNT goal scored in January.
Tournament Schedule and Competitive Context
While technically classified as friendlies, these matches present legitimate tests against stronger opposition than many teams the US faced throughout 2025. The games serve as crucial preparation ahead of World Cup qualifying commencing in October.
The Americans open their campaign against Argentina on March 1 in Nashville, Tennessee. They then travel to Columbus, Ohio to face Canada on March 4, before concluding against Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.
Complete USWNT SheBelieves Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Gisele Thompson (Angel City), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)
Midfielders: Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
Forwards: Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
