The US Women Soccer roster for the upcoming 2026 SheBelieves Cup has been officially finalized. Head coach Emma Hayes has selected a 26-player squad to face Argentina, Canada, and Colombia in the 11th edition of the tournament. This roster marks a strategic pivot toward experience as the team begins its final preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Featuring 19 NWSL stars and seven European-based professionals, the selection focuses on defensive stability and the milestone return of key attacking threats to the international stage.
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
- Official 2026 SheBelieves Cup Roster
- Key Roster Changes and Injury Updates
- Statistical Milestones: Trinity Rodman’s 50th Cap
- Tournament Schedule and How to Watch
- Impact Analysis: Building for 2027
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Official 2026 SheBelieves Cup USWNT Roster
Head coach Emma Hayes has prioritized a “fully capped” squad for this tournament, a sharp contrast to the experimental lineups seen during the January friendlies. The US Women Soccer roster is led by veteran captain Lindsey Heaps and features a heavy presence from reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC.
Emma Hayes leads a focused USWNT training session, setting the tactical tone for the SheBelieves Cup.
USWNT Roster by Position
| Position | Player | Club (Country) | Caps/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Claudia Dickey | Seattle Reign FC | 7/0 |
| Mandy McGlynn | Utah Royals | 5/0 | |
| Phallon Tullis-Joyce | Manchester United (ENG) | 4/0 | |
| Defenders | Emily Fox | Arsenal FC (ENG) | 71/1 |
| Naomi Girma | Chelsea FC (ENG) | 50/2 | |
| Emily Sonnett | Gotham FC | 113/2 | |
| Emily Sams* | Orlando Pride | 8/0 | |
| Avery Patterson* | Houston Dash | 10/1 | |
| Lilly Reale | Gotham FC | 6/0 | |
| Tara Rudd | Washington Spirit | 10/0 | |
| Gisele Thompson | Angel City FC | 5/0 | |
| Kennedy Wesley | San Diego Wave FC | 3/0 | |
| Midfielders | Lindsey Heaps | OL Lyonnes (FRA) | 170/38 |
| Rose Lavelle | Gotham FC | 116/27 | |
| Sam Coffey | Manchester City (ENG) | 42/5 | |
| Jaedyn Shaw | Gotham FC | 31/9 | |
| Claire Hutton | Bay FC | 13/1 | |
| Olivia Moultrie | Portland Thorns FC | 13/5 | |
| Lily Yohannes | OL Lyonnes (FRA) | 13/1 | |
| Riley Jackson | NC Courage | 1/0 | |
| Forwards | Trinity Rodman | Washington Spirit | 49/13 |
| Alyssa Thompson | Chelsea FC (ENG) | 26/3 | |
| Emma Sears | Racing Louisville FC | 14/6 | |
| Ally Sentnor | Kansas City Current | 15/6 | |
| Maddie Dahlien | Seattle Reign FC | 2/0 | |
| Jameese Joseph | Chicago Stars FC |
*Note: Emily Sams and Avery Patterson were added as injury replacements for Jordyn Bugg and Kate Wiesner.
Key Roster Changes and Injury Updates
The current US Women Soccer roster has undergone late adjustments due to preseason knocks in the NWSL. Defenders Jordyn Bugg and Kate Wiesner were forced to withdraw on February 25 and 26, respectively. They have been replaced by Emily Sams and Avery Patterson to maintain defensive depth.
Naomi Girma, a key fixture of the USWNT defense, anchors the backline on the newly announced roster.
Notable Absences
Several high-profile players remain unavailable as they continue recovery protocols:
- Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns): Currently in post-pregnancy return-to-play protocol.
- Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC): Sidelined with a persistent heel injury.
- Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit): Unavailable due to a minor preseason knock.
Statistical Milestones: Trinity Rodman’s 50th Cap
A major storyline for this tournament is the return of Trinity Rodman. After an injury-plagued 2025 where she earned only one cap, Rodman is poised to earn her 50th international appearance in the tournament opener. At just 23 years old, she would become the 71st player in USWNT history to reach this landmark.
The roster also showcases a significant experience gap. While veterans like Heaps and Lavelle have over 100 caps, 12 players on the 26-player roster have 10 caps or fewer. This “blend of eras” is central to Hayes’s philosophy of integrating youth into high-pressure environments.
Tournament Schedule and How to Watch
The 2026 SheBelieves Cup will take place across three cities in March. All matches will be broadcast across the TNT Sports family of networks and streamed via Peacock.
- March 1: USA vs. Argentina – Nashville, TN (GEODIS Park) | 4:00 PM CT
- March 4: USA vs. Canada – Columbus, OH (https://www.google.com/search?q=Lower.com Field) | 6:45 PM ET
- March 7: USA vs. Colombia – Harrison, NJ (Red Bull Arena) | 3:30 PM ET
The USWNT will close the tournament at Red Bull Arena, supported by a passionate home crowd.
Impact Analysis: Building for 2027
The 2026 SheBelieves Cup serves as the first major “measuring stick” for the USWNT under Emma Hayes this year. By selecting a roster with zero uncapped players, Hayes is signaling that the evaluation phase of 2025 has transitioned into a results-driven phase.
The inclusion of seven Europe-based players—most of whom are active in the UEFA Women’s Champions League—brings a high level of tactical sophistication to the squad. This is essential as the team prepares for the physical and tactical demands of the World Cup qualifying campaign scheduled for later this fall.
Conclusion
The US Women Soccer roster for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup is a calculated mix of veteran leadership and rising superstars. With the return of Trinity Rodman and the tactical oversight of Emma Hayes, the USWNT aims to reclaim its dominance on home soil before heading into the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Reader Discussion: Which young player are you most excited to see in the starting lineup for the SheBelieves Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the head coach of the USWNT in 2026? A: Emma Hayes is the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Q: Why is Sophia Wilson missing from the roster? A: Sophia Wilson is currently following a post-pregnancy return-to-play protocol and is not yet ready for international competition.
Q: Where can I watch the 2026 SheBelieves Cup? A: Matches will be broadcast on TNT, TBS, and TruTV, and streamed on Peacock and HBO Max.
Q: How many players from the NWSL are on the roster? A: There are 19 NWSL players on the 26-player roster.