USWNT World Cup Roster Predictions
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The USWNT is expected to announce their World Cup roster within the next week, and it’ll be interesting to see what changes, if any, Manager Vlatko Andonovski makes from their most recent friendlies against Ireland.
Goalkeepers:
Alyssa Naeher - Despite a tough club season, Naeher has proven herself to earn her laurels as USA’s #1 goalkeeper.
Casey Murphy - Murphy continues to prove herself, especially at the club level.
Aubrey Kingsbury - Kingsbury has come and gone as USA’s 3rd keeper, and the way she’s played for Washington this season should earn her another call-up.
Defenders:
Alana Cook - No one is questioning her seat on the plane as she continues to dominate for OL Reign.
Emily Fox - Fox has come alive for her club after being traded to North Carolina, and she’s proving herself World Cup ready.
Naomi Girma - Girma is the face of the next generation of the USWNT’s defense.
Sofia Huerta - Huerta has proven herself time and time again for both the USA and through club play.
Becky Sauerbrunn - Sauerbrunn is a long time veteran for the national team, and there’s no question that she’s meant to be at the World Cup.
Crystal Dunn - despite playing midfield at the club level, Dunn has proven herself helpful for the USA backline.
Tierna Davidson - Davidson is coming back after an ACL injury, but she’s quickly proven herself fit.
Emily Sonnett - Sonnett is a strong defender. She’s battled some injuries recently, but now that she’s back, she’s great for Team USA.
Casey Krueger - After missing most of 2022 due to pregnancy/maternity leave, Krueger has had to earn her spot back on the team, but she’s done just that.
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Midfielders:
Lindsey Horan - Horan is a longstanding veteran that the US needs.
Rose Lavelle - Lavelle has proven herself to be a star of this team, but there are still questions about if she’ll be able to play in the World Cup. If she’s healthy, she’ll be there. It’s likely that Andonovski knows more about her status than the general public.
Kristie Mewis - Mewis has fought to earn her spot on this team. She may not be the flashiest player, but she makes plays and creates chances.
Andi Sullivan - Sullivan is another vet that the USA shouldn’t go without on for this World Cup.
Megan Rapinoe - Rapinoe is a USWNT staple. She’s been battling injuries recently, and assuming she’s healthy, it’s unlikely Andonovski will leave her in the U.S.
Julie Ertz - Ertz is another veteran who recently came back after maternity leave. People questioned if she’d return to the USWNT, but now that she’s back, people don’t want to see her leave again.
Forwards:
Sophia Smith - There are no questions about Smith earning her spot as a regular starter for the U.S. The reigning NWSL MVP is a must-have on this roster.
Alex Morgan - Morgan is a vet, she’s proven her talents time and time again. Her veteran knowledge of the U.S.’s victory pairs well with the youth the team flaunts.
Trinity Rodman - Rodman is one of the most unselfish forwards out there, as while she doesn’t score often herself, she creates chance after chance for her teammates.
Lynn Williams - After missing almost all of 2022 due to injury, Williams has come back with a vengeance and shown that this team needs her.
Ashley Hatch - Hatch is the dark horse of the forwards. She dominates for her club, currently second in the NWSL’s Golden Boot race, but is in and out for the national team. Her goal scoring talent is needed for the US this year.
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Players on the edge:
Alyssa Thompson - Thompson is a young gun: at only 18 she’s already earned a few call ups. She’s proven herself, but with the veterans available, I’m not sure she’s done enough to prove her worth over one of them.
Kelley O’Hara - O’Hara is a veteran, and she’s played very well for the U.S. historically. However, she’s been battling some injuries of late and hasn’t been playing incredibly well for her club. I think she could earn the call-up just becuase she’s a vet, but I question if she’s the right choice right now.
Taylor Korneick - Korneick is a very in-and-out player for the U.S. She’s good, but compared to some of the other midfield talent, not great. I think with a little more experience, she could earn her way back on the team.
Savannah DeMelo - DeMelo has received a few call-ups, but hasn’t broken into regular play yet. She’s been unstoppable for her club team recently, causing fans to question why she’s not regularly called-up. I doubt she’s getting her chance at this World Cup because she hasn’t played with the team since she’s never played for the Senior team. Andonovski is not a risk taker and I doubt he will become one now.
Adriana Franch - Franch was the 3rd keeper for the U.S. for most of late 2022 and early 2023, but never played. She’s lost her starting spot for her club team, so I think Andonovski will turn back to Kingsbury, who he called up often before Franch.
Ashley Sanchez - Sanchez has demonstrated her talent recently, especially through her club play, but the midfield is stacked on this squad, so I think it’ll take an injury for her to earn her way in.
Notably missing players:
Sam Mewis - Mewis has been battling a major knee injury for over a year, causing questions about whether or not she will ever play professionally again.
Mallory Swanson - Swanson tore her patellar tendon in April of 2023, taking her out of the rotation for at least six months, but possible longer.
Christen Press - Press has long been a forward for the USWNT, but has yet to return from an ACL tear in June of 2022. She was not going to be on the CONCACF qualifying roster, even without the injury, according to Andonovski, but her veteran knowledge could be useful if she is cleared to play.
Catarina Macario - Macario took herself out of consideration recently, stating that she’s prioritizing long term health over this World Cup as she continues to recover from an ACL tear.
