The U.S. women’s national team has regrouped for the first time since spring, marking the beginning of an essential preparation phase for the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
The team is set to compete against Spain in two matches—on October 10 in Washington, D.C., and October 13 in Chester, Pennsylvania—featuring a clash between the top two teams in the world rankings. Spain arrives as the current World Cup champions, while the U.S. holds the Olympic gold.
Manager Emma Hayes has assembled a talented squad of 26 players for this training camp, including well-known figures such as captain Lindsey Heaps and defenders Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, and Tierna Davidson, along with midfielder Sam Coffey. This camp could also showcase the trio known as “Triple Espresso”—Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson—playing together again since the 2024 Olympic final, especially as Wilson and Swanson work on regaining fitness after maternity leaves.
The roster introduces several younger players aiming to make their mark, along with four newcomers: goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and midfielder Evelyn Shores, along with forwards Pietra Tordin and Trinity Byars. Another key player is Ashley Sanchez, having an impressive season in the NWSL with 20 goals in 26 matches, which ties the league’s single-season goal record.
Sanchez has participated in 28 matches for the U.S. senior team and was part of the 2023 World Cup roster, even though she didn’t play, with her last appearance in October 2024 against Argentina.
“While we’re excited to play the World Cup champions, I focus on the journey we are all undertaking together,” Hayes shared. “This camp aims to rebuild connections after a long break, evaluate some players not involved lately, and deliver strong performances before enthusiastic crowds. Our dual objective will also be to finalize our preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament.”
Both teams have not played since June—the U.S. split two friendlies against Brazil, while Spain won two World Cup qualifiers versus England and Iceland. The U.S. will also participate in World Cup qualifying, needing a victory over El Salvador in the Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal on November 27 to secure a place in next summer’s tournament.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 11), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 7)
DEFENDERS (8): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 70/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 78/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 54/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 14/1), Lilly Reale (Boston Legacy FC; 9/0), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 12/0), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 11/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 7/1)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City FC, ENG; 46/5), Lindsey Heaps (Denver Summit FC; 178/40), Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 20/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 122/29), Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC; 0/0), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars; 103/38), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 20/1)
FORWARDS (8): Trinity Byars (San Diego Wave FC; 0/0), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 14/1), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 57/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 21/6), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage; 28/3), Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 32/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 63/25)
Fan Take: This upcoming match against Spain not only serves as a test for the U.S. team as they rebuild but also sets the tone for international rivalries leading up to the World Cup. For fans, these games are an exciting opportunity to see how the team integrates returning players and new talents ahead of a crucial qualification campaign.
Source: www.foxsports.com
