ไทย
English
中國人
Moms truly can handle everything.
Sophia Wilson is set to rejoin the U.S. women's national team next week, just a few months after welcoming her daughter, Gianna, into the world.
The 25-year-old striker, who played a pivotal role in the team's gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been included in coach Emma Hayes's 26-player squad for the USWNT's April camp. Wilson makes her return to the World No. 2-ranked Stars and Stripes for the first time in 15 months, as the team prepares to face No. 5 Japan—the reigning 2026 Asian Cup champions—across three friendly matches.
"From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew I had to be very patient with myself throughout the entire process," Wilson told reporters Thursday. "Getting back to competing at a high level isn't a straight road. It doesn't happen overnight. A lot of work went on behind the scenes that most people never saw, and there's still plenty of work being put in."
Sophia Wilson's Return to Play
Wilson, who spent the entirety of the 2025 NWSL season on maternity leave, gave birth to her daughter in early September. She signed a contract extension with the Portland Thorns in December—a record-breaking deal worth $1 million—and was back on the field by the start of the current season.
The forward made her season debut against the Washington Spirit on March 13 at Audi Field, coming on for the final 13 minutes of Portland's 1–0 victory.
Wilson has gradually increased her playing time since then, earning her first start for the Thorns last Saturday and logging 68 minutes in a 2–0 win over the Kansas City Current.
"Watching her play 70 minutes the other night, it was almost surreal—I could hardly believe she had just had a baby and was already performing at that level," Hayes said Wednesday. "Real credit goes to her and the support team around her, who I think handled the pre- and post-pregnancy planning exceptionally well. Everyone deserves recognition for getting her to this point."
Wilson added: "I'm in a really good place right now. I've approached this journey the right way. I've had incredible support and help, and I never felt any pressure ... I've taken my time and done things at my own pace."
Throughout her comeback, Wilson drew significant inspiration from former teammates who have also navigated the demands of motherhood alongside professional soccer, including Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, and Bella Bixby.
"Having those role models made me believe and know that I could do the same," Wilson said.
What's Ahead for the USWNT?
The USWNT heads into the Japan friendlies on the back of a strong March, having claimed the SheBelieves Cup with convincing wins over Argentina, Canada, and Colombia.
The Americans are already setting their sights on the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the team scheduled to compete in the 2026 Concacaf Championship—the official World Cup qualifying tournament—this coming November.
"It's really important for us to start reintegrating players like [Sophia] and building their rhythm ahead of the World Cup qualifiers," Hayes said.
Wilson is poised to become the 18th mother to represent the national team, and should she find the back of the net, she would be the ninth mom to score for the Stars and Stripes.