Emma Hayes Picks USWNT Team for SheBelieves Cup, Mixes Old and New Players

Coach Emma Hayes has chosen her team for the SheBelieves Cup. She picked 26 players, including experienced stars and promising new players. The games start on March 1st.
By Newsroom | Soccer, United States |

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) coach, Emma Hayes, has announced a 26-player roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, signaling a deliberate strategy to blend established veterans with promising new talent. This selection marks Hayes' second SheBelieves Cup as manager and offers a crucial platform to evaluate players as the team prepares for future competitions. The tournament, which includes Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, begins on March 1st.

Emma Hayes strikes balance of experience and youth for USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup roster - 1

Context of the Roster Selection

The roster for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup showcases a thoughtful composition, aiming to leverage existing strengths while integrating players demonstrating recent progress. This follows a period of evaluation, including January camps and recent friendlies. Notably, 11 players who were not part of the January camps have earned a spot, indicating a dynamic approach to squad building. Conversely, 15 players from the January roster have retained their places. The tournament itself serves as a significant testing ground, especially as it falls within an official FIFA window, allowing for the inclusion of European-based players who were less available for camps outside these periods.

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  • The SheBelieves Cup is an annual four-team invitational tournament.

  • This year's edition features the USWNT, Argentina, Canada, and Colombia.

  • The tournament is important for the USWNT's development and preparation for upcoming major events.

Key Selections and Emerging Players

Hayes' selections highlight a focus on players demonstrating consistent performance and potential.

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Strikers and Attacking Options

  • Ally Sentnor is anticipated to receive significant playing time in the striker position.

  • Jameese Joseph has made her mark, scoring her first USWNT goal in January and earning her first start.

  • Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman represent experienced attacking options.

Midfield Dynamics

  • The midfield features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent.

  • Sam Coffey, returning after her transfer to Manchester City, is expected to anchor the midfield.

  • Claire Hutton is noted for her poise in defensive midfield, reflecting the significant investment made by Bay FC to acquire her.

  • Lindsey Heaps brings extensive international experience to the midfield.

  • Riley Jackson and Maddie Dahlien are among the players earning their first caps in January camps, signifying their inclusion in the long-term development plans.

Defensive Stability and Goalkeeping Choices

  • The defensive unit includes experienced players like Emily Fox and Naomi Girma.

  • Hayes has selected her three most-utilized goalkeepers following the international retirement of Alyssa Naeher.

  • Claudia Dickey

  • Mandy McGlynn

  • Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Strategic Considerations in Squad Composition

The roster demonstrates a clear objective to balance immediate performance with future growth.

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Experience vs. Youth

  • Twelve players on the roster have 10 caps or fewer, indicating a significant infusion of new talent.

  • Conversely, experienced players like Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle, with over 100 caps each, provide veteran leadership.

  • Lindsey Heaps is highlighted as a player with substantial international experience.

  • The roster also includes players who were unavailable for January camps due to club commitments, such as Gotham FC players, who were participating in the FIFA Women's Champions Cup. Their return signifies a more complete squad for the SheBelieves Cup.

Player Development and Future Focus

  • Emma Hayes has a history of giving new players opportunities, having awarded caps to 32 players in her 32 games as manager.

  • The inclusion of players like Claire Hutton, who captained the team in recent friendlies at a young age, underscores a focus on developing leadership within the squad.

  • Was the decision to omit Catarina Macario from the squad a strategic choice based on current form or part of a broader development plan?

Tournament Schedule

The USWNT will play their matches at the following locations:

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  • March 1: vs. Argentina in Nashville, Tennessee

  • March 4: vs. Canada in Columbus, Ohio

  • March 7: vs. Colombia in Harrison, New Jersey

Conclusion

Emma Hayes' selection for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup presents a compelling blend of seasoned internationals and rising stars. The roster suggests a strategic approach focused on both immediate tournament success and the long-term development of the USWNT. The integration of players who have recently earned their first caps alongside established figures like Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Heaps will be critical to observe. The tournament will serve as a key indicator of how these diverse talents coalesce under Hayes' leadership, providing valuable insights into the team's trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the coach of the USWNT?
Emma Hayes is the coach of the United States Women's National Team (USWNT).
Q: What is the SheBelieves Cup?
The SheBelieves Cup is a soccer tournament that happens every year. It has four teams playing.
Q: When does the SheBelieves Cup start?
The tournament starts on March 1st.
Q: How many players are on the USWNT team for this cup?
Coach Hayes picked 26 players for the team.