The US Women's National Team (USWNT) has just wrapped up its first international window of 2026, and despite feeling like a continuation of familiar patterns, this year brings significant stakes that will force decisions down the roster. Here are four big predictions for the team's lineup after these games.
Firstly, the search for a new No.1 goalkeeper is underway. Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer earlier in the year, leaving Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce as the favorite to start in goal. With only 26 caps between six candidates, Tullis-Joyce will need to rack up appearances and build confidence with her defense to refine partnerships.
In midfield, the team is looking for a better balance after a disjointed performance in the Olympics. Rose Lavelle, who has struggled with injuries, remains an invaluable asset due to her ability to operate in transition and bridge the midfield and forward lines. However, it's unclear if she'll be able to start regularly alongside new faces such as Lily Yohannes and Korbin Shrader.
On defense, Naomi Girma is possibly the most important player on the team at present, with remarkable poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. Emily Fox has vaulted into the conversation for the world's best right back after a standout performance in Arsenal's league matches. The left back spot remains an open question, but Izzy Rodriguez and Kate Wiesner are likely to challenge Crystal Dunn's position.
Finally, the forward line is bursting with talent, and Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario, and Mallory Swanson will all be vying for starting spots. With only Rodman, Thompson, and Wilson signed to new contracts, it's uncertain how many "Triple Espresso" performances we'll see from this team.
These predictions offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing the USWNT as they head into World Cup qualifying in November.
Firstly, the search for a new No.1 goalkeeper is underway. Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer earlier in the year, leaving Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce as the favorite to start in goal. With only 26 caps between six candidates, Tullis-Joyce will need to rack up appearances and build confidence with her defense to refine partnerships.
In midfield, the team is looking for a better balance after a disjointed performance in the Olympics. Rose Lavelle, who has struggled with injuries, remains an invaluable asset due to her ability to operate in transition and bridge the midfield and forward lines. However, it's unclear if she'll be able to start regularly alongside new faces such as Lily Yohannes and Korbin Shrader.
On defense, Naomi Girma is possibly the most important player on the team at present, with remarkable poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. Emily Fox has vaulted into the conversation for the world's best right back after a standout performance in Arsenal's league matches. The left back spot remains an open question, but Izzy Rodriguez and Kate Wiesner are likely to challenge Crystal Dunn's position.
Finally, the forward line is bursting with talent, and Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario, and Mallory Swanson will all be vying for starting spots. With only Rodman, Thompson, and Wilson signed to new contracts, it's uncertain how many "Triple Espresso" performances we'll see from this team.
These predictions offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing the USWNT as they head into World Cup qualifying in November.
! I think it's crazy that Alyssa Naeher retired, Phallon Tullis-Joyce has got this 
! But, with Rose Lavelle being injured all the time, she needs to get her fitness back ASAP or else #USWNT is gonna struggle 
. The midfield balance is key, and I'm loving the young blood coming in - Lily Yohannes and Korbin Shrader are gonna be a game-changer! 
Defense is solid with Naomi Girma holding it down 
. And can we talk about the forward line? Trinity Rodman is my girl 
, Catarina Macario is a beast 
, but Mallory Swanson needs to step up her game #USWNT for World Cup qualifying! 
... on one hand, it's great to see some new faces stepping up to the plate, especially Phallon Tullis-Joyce who seems like she's got big shoes to fill after Alyssa Naeher's retirement. On the other hand, I'm a bit worried about Rose Lavelle's injury history and how it'll affect her playing time - we all know how much of an impact she has on the team when she's healthy 
... but at the same time, it's exciting to see players like Lily Yohannes and Korbin Shrader trying to fill those gaps. 
. With Alyssa Naeher retiring, I feel like Phallon Tullis-Joyce is gonna have to step up her game ASAP 
. And Rose Lavelle's injury history has me worried she won't be able to start regularly with all these new players coming in 
.
The USWNT is like my ultimate favorite squad, and I love how they're shaking things up with new additions to the roster! Phallon Tullis-Joyce is def gonna be a game-changer in goal 
. Naomi Girma is literally the best player right now, and Emily Fox is looking 
. And what about Naomi Girma, she seems like a key player for now 
️. The competition for starting spots is going to be fierce though, I'm curious to see how it all plays out 
.
, and I'm excited to see how the forward line shakes out with Rodman, Macario, and Swanson competing for spots 