Naomi Girma is set to make a commendable return to the U.S. Women’s National Team after facing injury challenges throughout the year. Coach Emma Hayes has selected 26 players for the final training camp of 2025, which features two matches against Italy, a UEFA Women’s Euro semifinalist, taking place in Orlando on November 28 and Fort Lauderdale on December 1. This will mark Girma’s first participation since the summer.
“We’re thrilled to have her back,” Hayes expressed during a recent Zoom conference. “We not only value her skills on the field but also appreciate her subtle leadership qualities off the field.”
Girma made her comeback to Chelsea’s starting lineup for a Champions League match against St. Polten on November 11, and she played for 45 minutes against Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on November 16. Although she has appeared in just four of the USWNT’s 13 matches this year, her return is pivotal, especially with several veteran players absent as the team gears up for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
“Before I submitted my provisional roster, Girma reached out to assure me she was ready to come back,” Hayes noted with a grin. “If she’s fit, there’s no reason not to include her. Naomi will be the first to arrive at camp. She’s excited to rejoin the team, and I believe we missed her leadership and experience on the international stage.
This roster features some changes from the one Hayes put together in October for matches against Portugal and New Zealand, with seven new players—two of whom are receiving their first call-ups: Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and Chicago Stars forward Jameis Joseph. Rookie defender Kate Wiesner, who had previously been named to the training squad, is getting her second call-up.
Hayes has also brought in Gotham FC midfielder Jaelyn Howell, who hasn’t played with the national team since April 2022, making her first appearance back since October 2022.
“This year has been thrilling and crucial for our group. We’ve reached many milestones, expanded our roster, and enhanced our game strategy; this camp will continue that progress and set the stage for 2026, our World Cup qualifying year,” said Hayes.
“I trust the players will rise to the occasion, as facing leading European teams is invaluable for assessing our growth as a unit.”
Trinity Rodman, a star player who recently sustained a central nervous system sprain, will not be joining the camp. Although she contributed to Washington Spirit’s victory against the Portland Thorns in the NWSL semifinals, Hayes indicated that both understand the need for Rodman to focus on her recovery.
“She’s still recuperating,” Hayes remarked. “We agree that big camps and games are critical, but she isn’t currently in a position to participate. Trinity is eager to represent the national team again, and I hope she can do so next year. Her well-being is my top priority.”
In a similar vein, Manchester United goalkeeper Fallon Tallis-Joyce has been sidelined with a facial injury. Tallis-Joyce, who has only four caps, is considered a strong contender for the starting role in the national team. Therefore, eyes will be on Mandy McGlynn from the Utah Royals, Claudia Dickey from Seattle Reign FC, and Silkowitz.
The upcoming matches against Italy will be their first encounters in 15 years, the last being on November 27, 2010, when the U.S. triumphed 1-0. The USWNT edged out Italy 2-0 on aggregate, securing a spot in the 2011 World Cup.
Hayes had previously discussed with staff the goal of evaluating players ahead of the upcoming international matches, expressing interest in Italy’s evolving team dynamics.
“They’re a rising force with distinct tactical strategies,” Hayes noted. “We’ll see contrasting gameplay, particularly in possession during both matches, as their approach rarely repeats. This adaptability will pose a unique challenge.”
Italy advanced to the semifinals of the Euros but fell to eventual champions England after a gripping match. Hayes sees Le Azzurre as a top competitor in Europe, imbued with confidence post-tournament.
“I regard their caliber as equal to that of England or Spain,” Hayes commented, highlighting the challenges ahead, particularly tactically. “Their compact defense and counter-attack prowess are exceptional, making this a noteworthy test.”
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Clubs, Caps/Goals)
Goalkeeper (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0)
Defender (10): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lily Leal (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnet (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)
Midfielder (7): Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsay Heaps (FRA, OL Lyon; 167/38), Jaelyn Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lovell (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Johannes (OL Lyon, France; 11/1)
Forward (6): Jamies Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Katarina Macario (Chelsea FC, England; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaidyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, England; 29/4)
Fan Take: The return of Naomi Girma to the USWNT is a significant boost as the team prepares for World Cup qualification. With intense competition from European teams, these upcoming matches not only showcase rising talent but also set the stage for the future of women’s soccer on an international level.
