Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz Earn National Soccer Hall of Fame Honors
Two influential figures from the United States women’s national team have received another major recognition for their contributions to American soccer.
Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2027. The announcement was made on November 12, with U.S. Soccer publishing its confirmation on November 13.
Both players earned the honor in their first year of eligibility. They will join Jozy Altidore, David Beckham, Tatu and former coach Lothar Osiander in the six-member class.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2027, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
For USWNT supporters, the announcement recognizes two players whose careers helped shape different eras of the national team.
Rapinoe and Ertz Earned Strong Support From Voters
The voting results underline how highly both players are regarded in American soccer history.
According to the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s announcement, Rapinoe and Ertz each received 46 votes from the 48-member Player Voting Committee, equivalent to 95.8 percent.
Their selection is part of a wider Hall of Fame class, but their achievements with the USWNT make them two of its most significant names for women’s soccer supporters.
They reached the top of the international game through different strengths. Rapinoe became known for her creativity, attacking influence and ability to deliver in major moments. Ertz built her reputation through defensive intelligence, physical presence and versatility.
Julie Ertz: A Two-Time World Cup Champion Who Defined Her Role
Julie Ertz finished her USWNT career with 123 appearances and 20 international goals between 2013 and 2023.
She was an important part of the teams that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Her ability to perform in more than one position made her particularly valuable.
At the 2015 World Cup, Ertz played as a defender. By the 2019 tournament, she had become a central figure in the defensive midfield.
That transition demonstrated her understanding of the game and her ability to adapt to the team’s needs.
Ertz also represented the United States at three Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games. She earned an Olympic bronze medal in 2021 and was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in both 2017 and 2019.
Her club career included time with the Chicago Red Stars and Angel City in the National Women’s Soccer League. She was also selected to the NWSL Best XI in 2015, 2019 and 2020.
Her Hall of Fame selection recognizes a career built on consistency, leadership and high-level performances in major competitions.
Megan Rapinoe: A Defining Figure in the USWNT’s Modern Era
Megan Rapinoe leaves behind one of the most memorable international careers in American women’s soccer.
She made 203 appearances for the United States between 2006 and 2023, scoring 63 goals and recording 73 assists.
Rapinoe was part of four Women’s World Cup squads and helped the United States win the titles in 2015 and 2019. Her 2019 campaign was especially memorable.
At that tournament, she won both the Golden Ball, awarded to the competition’s outstanding player, and the Golden Boot, awarded to its leading scorer. She scored six goals during the tournament.
Her international achievements also included an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games.
In 2019, Rapinoe received the FIFA Best Women’s Player award and the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Those honors added to a career that had already made her one of the most recognizable players in the women’s game.
Her influence extended beyond goals and assists. She became a prominent figure in conversations about equal treatment, representation and the development of women’s soccer.
The Hall of Fame recognition adds another major honor to that legacy.
Two Different Careers, One Lasting USWNT Legacy
Rapinoe and Ertz did not play the same role on the field, but both contributed to a successful period for the United States.
Rapinoe brought attacking creativity, experience and decisive contributions in major matches. Ertz provided defensive security, midfield control and tactical flexibility.
Their careers also reflect the depth of talent that helped the United States remain a major force in international women’s soccer.
Both were part of the teams that won consecutive World Cups in 2015 and 2019. Their induction gives supporters an opportunity to look back at those achievements while recognizing the individual contributions behind them.
The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2027 also includes players and figures from other parts of American soccer history. That broader group makes the recognition about more than one team or generation.
The Current USWNT Has a Different Challenge Ahead
While the Hall of Fame announcement celebrates former players, the current USWNT is approaching an important competition of its own.
The United States is scheduled to face El Salvador in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Concacaf W Championship on Friday, November 27, at Texas Health Mansfield Stadium in Mansfield, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
The tournament is a key part of the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four quarterfinal winners will advance to the semifinals and automatically secure qualification for the World Cup. Teams that lose in the quarterfinals will have another opportunity through the play-in round to compete for places in the intercontinental play-off tournament.
The United States enters the competition as the defending Concacaf W Championship winner, having won the 2022 edition.
For the current generation, the immediate priority is turning its place among the region’s top teams into qualification and another strong tournament performance.
Rapinoe and Ertz have already completed their international careers. The next group of USWNT players now has the responsibility of creating its own defining moments.
A Recognition That Connects USWNT Generations
The election of Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz is more than a personal achievement for two former internationals.
It recognizes their roles in a period that included major trophies, memorable individual performances and continued growth in women’s soccer in the United States.
Their induction ceremony in April 2027 will formally place their names among the figures recognized by the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
For USWNT fans, it is also a reminder of what the team has achieved—and of the standard the next generation will be expected to carry forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz in the National Soccer Hall of Fame?
Yes. Both were elected as members of the Class of 2027 in their first year of eligibility.
When will Rapinoe and Ertz be inducted?
The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2027, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
How many goals did Megan Rapinoe score for the USWNT?
Rapinoe scored 63 goals in 203 appearances for the United States.
How many appearances did Julie Ertz make for the USWNT?
Ertz made 123 appearances and scored 20 goals for the United States.
What is the USWNT’s next major competition?
The United States is scheduled to face El Salvador in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship quarterfinals on November 27, 2026. The competition will help determine Concacaf’s qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.