USWNT Stars Girma and Thompson Lead Explosive Roster Return for SheBelieves Cup Showdown
The opening major challenge of the season has arrived for the United States women's national soccer team. As anticipated, the most formidable available squad has been assembled for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
This Tuesday, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes announced a 26-player selection for the competition, which will include three fixtures against Argentina, Canada and Colombia.
"The SheBelieves Cup represents an excellent competition that provides us the chance to simulate the group phase of a FIFA championship," Hayes stated. "Three high-caliber matches in rapid succession also enable us to mirror conditions that will ready us for the World Cup qualification series this autumn.
"As usual, we aim to continue expanding our talent pool to become increasingly prepared. As we accumulate more experience, I anticipate our performance levels will continue rising."
The USWNT begins the international period facing Argentina on Sunday, March 1 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, before traveling to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, to face Canada three days afterward.
The 2026 SheBelieves Cup wraps up with the USWNT confronting Colombia on Saturday, March 7, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
USWNT Roster: SheBelieves Cup 2026
USWNT Roster: SheBelieves Cup 2026
Position (Club: Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers (3)
Goalkeepers (3)
Defenders (9)
Defenders (9)
Midfielders (8)
Midfielders (8)
Forwards (6)
Forwards (6)
European Stars Return
European Stars Return
The primary headline involves the comeback of numerous European-based stars who were absent from the January camp due to club team commitments.
Those making their return include captain Lindsey Heaps, vice-captain Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Lily Yohannes, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson and primary goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
All seven athletes could potentially be in the starting lineup, and their comeback signals that Hayes now has her essential core group reunited to establish momentum before World Cup qualifiers in November.
Gotham Back in the Fold
Gotham Back in the Fold
Also absent from the January camp were athletes from Gotham FC due to the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup.
The foursome of Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw have returned to the squad, and they also could be consistent starters for Hayes—the influence of Gotham and European-based athletes in the team more significant than ever previously.
Lavelle (116) and Sonnett (113) rank as the second and third most experienced players on this USWNT selection, though they trail considerably behind captain Heaps—who has earned 170 international appearances.
Croix Bethune Misses Out After January Heroics
Croix Bethune Misses Out After January Heroics
The most significant, and unexpected, exclusion from the USWNT selection is midfielder Croix Bethune, who was arguably the standout performer from the recent camp. In matches against Paraguay and Chile, Bethune scored her maiden international goal and recorded an assist, earning considerable acclaim from Hayes.
"I believe it's been the finest camp I've witnessed from Croix, regarding her mindset, her dedication," the former Chelsea coach informed the media in January. "I sense that Croix is poised to elevate her performance to another level."
For Bethune to excel with the USWNT yet not receive another invitation is unexpected. Her omission from the USWNT also follows closely after the 24-year-old's transfer from the Washington Spirit to the Kansas City Current for a substantial $1 million fee.
Will Ally Sentnor Take Her Chance?
Will Ally Sentnor Take Her Chance?
An unexpected addition to this selection is versatile winger/forward Ally Sentnor, who was absent from the USWNT's January roster and instead joined the U23 squad for several friendlies in Europe.
Hayes has maintained flexibility in movement between the senior squad and the U23 group. Previously, Jaedyn Shaw was assigned to the U23s in May before being promoted back to the senior team in October.
Sentnor faces intense competition to maintain her position. The USWNT's attacking options are remarkably deep and competitive, with the battle for spots expected to grow fiercer when Sophia Wilson and Mal Swanson return from maternity leave.
Since joining the Current in August 2025, Sentnor has found playing time and influence in the National Women's Soccer League challenging. She featured in 11 matches without any goal contributions during the final stretch of last season.
Inconsistent performances have hindered Sentnor, but this opportunity represents a crucial moment for the 21-year-old to impress Hayes and demonstrate she can realize her capabilities. The question remains: will she seize her opportunity?