While 2025 lacked the drama of 2024, it was still a significant and successful year for the U.S. Women’s National Team, highlighted by their Olympic gold medal victory and the hiring of Emma Hayes.
The U.S. focused heavily on growing its player pool, and the inaugural Futures Camp in January provided Hayes and her team with a vital platform to scout talent capable of competing at the highest levels, not just in 2024 but also for the World Cup and Olympics in 2027 and 2028.
Over the year, Hayes introduced 16 new players to the senior squad, enhancing the team’s depth and familiarizing more athletes with the senior environment. The team achieved an impressive 12-3 record, despite not being at their peak performance, with Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith each becoming new parents, while Trinity Rodman faced injury challenges. Hayes also took steps toward finding a new starting goalkeeper after Alyssa Neher’s retirement last year (more details to come).
The U.S. concluded the year with two victories over Italy, earning accolades for their performance across the season under Hayes. However, the coach reminds everyone that their journey is just beginning.
“We’re still cooking,” Hayes stated in a recent press conference.
Here’s a recap of the USWNT’s 2025 and a look ahead to 2026.
A year of growth and development
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Hayes made history by calling up an unprecedented 16 new players to the senior roster, the highest number ever. Several of these players participated in the 24-member January Futures Camp, including midfielder Claire Hutton, defenders Avery Patterson, Lily Reale, and Jordyn Bugg, along with forward Jamise Joseph—individuals expected to be crucial for the team’s future.
Washington Spirit defender Kate Wisner made her debut start for the USWNT in the final match of the year on December 1, becoming the 50th player to start during Hayes’ tenure.
What does this signify? Primarily, Hayes is expanding her search for contributors as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Moving forward, 2025 is likely to be regarded as a crucial chapter in the team’s drive for further accolades.
Overcoming adversity
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The U.S. faced three defeats this year, the most surprising being a 2-1 loss to Portugal in October. After an early goal from Rose Lovell, the Americans couldn’t secure any more scores.
This loss marked a low point in Hayes’ coaching era, as she remarked, “I didn’t recognize us. We didn’t resemble the team we’ve been building.” She described the players’ individual performances as chaotic, akin to a game of “whack-a-mole.”
Despite a lengthy absence from the pitch, Hayes stated that the players could not use the 113 days since their last match as an excuse for their performance.
Nevertheless, the squad showcased their resilience, bouncing back just three days later to defeat Portugal 3-1, with Olivia Moultrie scoring twice and Sam Coffey contributing another goal.
Gaining clarity in goalkeeping
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Since Alyssa Neher’s retirement at the end of 2024, discussions have surrounded her potential successor. In 2025, Hayes evaluated four goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Fallon Tallis-Joyce, Claudia Dickie, and Mandy McGlynn.
Hayes commended Tallis-Joyce for her standout performances, featuring in four matches and achieving two clean sheets. She also played every match for her club Manchester United and shared the Golden Glove Award. Conversely, Dickie, from Seattle Reign, played six matches, maintaining five clean sheets, and marked her year with four consecutive starts, including three shutouts.
2026 may present an opportunity for one of these keepers to establish an advantage.
A standout year for Cat Macario
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Striker Cat Macario, who has struggled with injuries throughout her career, made her USWNT debut in 2021 but has seen limited action since then due to a persistent knee injury that sidelined her from significant competitions, including the last World Cup and Olympics.
In 2025, however, she excelled, leading the USWNT with eight goals and doubling her total scores since 2021. The Chelsea forward netted the team’s first goal of the year against Colombia in the She Believes Cup and capped the year with goals in the last three matches, including two in consecutive games against New Zealand and Italy. Additionally, she contributed two assists.
Hayes, who scouted Macario for Chelsea, recognized the hard work that went into her recovery and remains confident that her best performances lie ahead.
“Have we seen the best of Cat Macario yet? Absolutely not,” Hayes remarked earlier this year. “Timing is crucial. Players need to remain active on the field. Once she completes this club season and goes through another pre-season, we can expect her game to elevate.”
“She is a tremendous talent and is eager to contribute positively to our program.”
Looking to 2026
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Anticipation surrounds the U.S. team in 2026 as they will strive to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil in late November.
Will we see Triple Espresso back in action with a fit Rodman, Swanson returning from maternity leave, and Wilson on the roster?
When will we learn about the “core group” that Hayes intends to include in the 2027 World Cup contingent? While some continuity exists on the roster from last year, only a few players remain uncertain about their positions.
Will there be a clearer distinction in the goalkeeper situation between Tallis-Joyce and Dickie?
These questions are central as the team approaches the new year.
Laken Littman Our coverage includes college football, basketball, and soccer on FOX Sports. Previously, she has written for Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and The Indianapolis Star. Her book, Strong Like a Woman, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Title IX and was published in spring 2022. Follow her @LakenLitman.
Fan Take: This news is essential for soccer fans as it highlights the team’s ongoing evolution and preparation for major international competitions. With new talent emerging and established players returning, the USWNT is gearing up for a promising future that could redefine their success on the global stage.
