ไทย
English
中國人
The last international window before the United States Women's National Team embarks on qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is nearly upon us.
The second-ranked USA are scheduled to take on reigning World Champions and world number one Spain in two friendlies on October 10, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and October 13, at Subaru Park in Chester, Penn.
On Tuesday, head coach Emma Hayes unveiled her 26-player squad for these eagerly awaited friendlies against top-tier opposition. This will mark the first time the USWNT has reconvened since a pair of away friendlies against Brazil back in June. Hayes's side split that series 1-1, falling 2-1 in Sao Paulo before claiming a 1-0 victory in Fortaleza.
"While we are very much looking forward to playing the World Cup champions, I keep coming back to the journey that we are all on together," said Hayes. "This camp will be about reestablishing connections after a long break, looking at a few players who haven't been with us this cycle, and putting on the best performances we can in front of packed stadiums. Of course, our dual focus will also be on our final preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament."
U.S. Women's National Team Roster by Position
(Club; Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Sanchez Gets The Call
For the past several months, the dominant storyline surrounding the USWNT was whether Hayes would bring back North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez. The 27-year-old has been absent from international duty since October 2024 and was last summoned by Hayes in January 2025. She previously accumulated 28 caps and three goals between 2021 and 2024.
Sanchez is enjoying a record-breaking season in the National Women's Soccer League. Last week, she equaled the league's single-season goals record with 20. It also marks the first time an American player has surpassed 15 goals in a single NWSL campaign.
Speaking on The Athletic's Full Time podcast in August, Sanchez revealed she had not yet been in touch with Hayes. That has clearly changed. Her performances with the Courage have been exceptional and impossible to overlook.
Since the summer break and the last USWNT camp, Sanchez has scored 12 goals in her last 15 appearances. That run includes a hat trick and two additional matches in which she scored braces. Much of her success stems from new Courage head coach Mak Lind deploying her in a free role on the left wing, where she can cut inside and attack the box on her stronger right foot.
Four Uncapped Players
Given the caliber of the opposition, one of the most notable surprises on the roster was Hayes's decision to include four players who have yet to earn a senior USWNT cap. Hayes had named zero uncapped players across her previous three rosters, with the last USWNT debut coming back in January.
This uncapped group consists of Evelyn Shores, Trinity Byars, Pietra Tordin, and Jordan Silkowitz. All four carry extensive experience through USA youth teams and are among the most in-form young American players in the NWSL at present. The level of their performances has undoubtedly earned them a place in the squad.
Bay FC goalkeeper Silkowitz is the only member of this group to have previously attended a camp, having been called up on two prior occasions without taking to the field. With Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce competing for the starting goalkeeper position, it seems unlikely that Silkowitz will make her debut. Nevertheless, following an impressive individual season with Bay, earning the call-up ahead of the likes of Jane Campbell and Mandy McGlynn is a notable achievement.
Shores has been a standout performer for Angel City this season. The 21-year-old is versatile and capable of operating in both defense and midfield. While she has primarily excelled in the NWSL as a left fullback, she can also feature as a holding midfielder or a dynamic 'Number Eight'. Shores also possesses a quality left-footed delivery from set pieces and has registered seven assists this season.
Byars has been one of the most clinical strikers in the NWSL this year, finding the net 10 times in just 21 appearances (1,006 minutes). Her shot conversion rate of 26% ranks second among forwards in the NWSL, trailing only Temwa Chawinga (31%). The 23-year-old will likely be pushing for a center forward role off the bench.
While Byars thrives in one-on-one situations and exploits space in behind defenses, Tordin has shone as more of a link-up forward than a traditional 'Number Nine'. The 22-year-old has contributed seven goals and nine assists this season. She is capable of operating out wide, through the middle, or in a support striker role.
A CHIP. A HAT TRICK. A GOALKEEPER ASSIST. THIS GOAL HAS EVERYTHING.
Pietra Tordin completes the first-half hat trick ‼️ pic.twitter.com/2sRZHMQn6B
Missing Through Injury
It came as no surprise to see Emily Sonnett (ACL), Olivia Moultrie (ACL), and Cat Macario (knee) all absent from the squad. The three players are all facing extended spells on the sidelines. Sonnett and Moultrie face a tough race to recover in time for next summer's World Cup, while Macario is targeting a return early in the new year.
Croix Bethune was not selected as she continues to manage an ongoing hip injury that has sidelined her for KC Current's last three matches. The hope is that Bethune will recover before the NWSL playoffs begin in November and could feature for the USWNT when they face El Salvador for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup just after Thanksgiving.
Shaw and Sentnor Left Behind
The most eyebrow-raising omissions from this roster were forwards Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor. Both had been regular selections under Hayes throughout 2026. With Moultrie and Macario sidelined through injury, the expectation was that this window would represent an even greater opportunity for them to impress against Spain.
Sentnor, 22, endured a difficult stretch for much of 2026, but appeared to be rediscovering her best form after needing time to settle following her midseason move to Angel City from KC Current. Statistically, Shaw, 21, is enjoying the finest NWSL season of her career, contributing nine goals and five assists for league-leaders Gotham FC. As one of the most technically accomplished players in the squad, her absence places added responsibility on other creative players.
Both players remain very young despite their considerable USWNT experience. It remains to be seen whether both are called into the USWNT U-23 squad during this same window. Hayes has been clear that the U-23 program plays a vital role in player development, and the rotation of Shaw and Sentnor between the two setups could serve as the clearest example of that philosophy in action.