There were a few surprises, along with plenty to be excited about, as Emma Hayes announced a squad that might look close to her World Cup qualifying group.
Two shots of espresso are back on the menu for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Emma Hayes named a 26-player roster for April friendlies against Japan, headlined by the returns of Olympic gold medalists Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson, while veteran goalkeeper Jane Campbell also re-enters the fold. It's Wilson's first involvement with the national team since 2024.
NWSL returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Sophia Wilson, Marta, and Temwa Chawinga to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.
Hayes leaned on experience for the SheBelieves Cup, clarifying her defensive hierarchy, her approach at No. 9, and the standards guiding the USWNT’s build toward 2027.
Crystal Dunn’s retirement left teammates emotional and reflective. Her 12-year international career shaped players from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson to Croix Bethune and Sophia Wilson.
With qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, GOAL ranks the top 10 players who have featured for the USWNT since the start of 2025.
Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 NWSL season after exercising the player option in her contract. The 25-year-old U.S. women’s national team forward missed the 2025 campaign while on maternity leave, but is set to resume her career with the club where it began after she was selected No. 1 in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and became a central figure in Portland’s sustained success.