.png)
It's time. Emma Hayes has unveiled her USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster, and make no mistake, this isn't just another friendly tournament lineup. This is the sound of Hayes moving from observation to execution, assembling a squad poised for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The message is clear: the experimental phase is over, and the focus is now squarely on building a cohesive, battle-hardened unit.
Key Takeaways from Hayes' SheBelieves Roster
- Veterans Lead the Charge: Experience reigns, with Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle anchoring a squad where every player is now capped.
- Emerging Talents Shine: Young stars like Trinity Rodman and Jaedyn Shaw are set to make a significant impact.
- NWSL Powerhouse: Gotham FC dominates selections, highlighting the strength of domestic league play.
- World Cup Blueprint: The SheBelieves Cup offers a vital testing ground, mirroring the intensity of a major tournament group stage.
The Squad: A Blend of Steel and Spark
The 26-player roster, featuring 23 field players and three goalkeepers, marks a pivotal moment for the USWNT. After a year of extensive evaluations, Hayes has settled on a core group. Trinity Rodman, fresh off her impressive return and a landmark contract extension with Washington Spirit, headlines the attack. Her pace and power will be crucial.
Gotham FC stands out as a major contributor, boasting four selections: Jaedyn Shaw, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, and Lily Reale. This NWSL contingent underscores the talent pipeline feeding the national team. While Catarina Macario of Chelsea was a notable omission, her club teammates Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma both made the cut, with six of the seven overseas players currently competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Experience Meets Youth: The Cap Spectrum
The roster strikes a compelling balance between seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers. Captain Lindsey Heaps leads the way with an astounding 170 caps, closely followed by Rose Lavelle (116 caps). This veteran backbone provides invaluable leadership and stability.
However, Hayes hasn't shied away from injecting fresh energy. Riley Jackson holds just a single cap, and an impressive 12 players on the roster have 10 caps or fewer. This intentional blend suggests a strategy to integrate rising stars while maintaining a high level of performance. Even in goal, Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey were largely set, but Mandy McGlynn's strong January performances earned her a well-deserved spot.
Full SheBelieves Cup Roster Breakdown
GOALKEEPERS:
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 7 caps)
- Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 5 caps)
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 4 caps)
DEFENDERS:
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 6/0 caps/goals)
- Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 71/1 caps/goals)
- Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 50/2 caps/goals)
- Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 6/0 caps/goals)
- Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 10/0 caps/goals)
- Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 113/2 caps/goals)
- Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 5/0 caps/goals)
- Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 3/0 caps/goals)
- Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 3/0 caps/goals)
MIDFIELDERS:
- Sam Coffey (Manchester City, ENG; 42/5 caps/goals)
- Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 170/38 caps/goals)
- Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 13/1 caps/goals)
- Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; 1/0 caps/goals)
- Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 116/27 caps/goals)
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 13/5 caps/goals)
- Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 31/9 caps/goals)
- Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 13/1 caps/goals)
FORWARDS:
- Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; 2/0 caps/goals)
- Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 2/1 caps/goals)
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 49/13 caps/goals)
- Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 14/6 caps/goals)
- Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 15/6 caps/goals)
- Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 26/3 caps/goals)
Hayes' Strategic Vision: Beyond Experimentation
For the first time in over a year, Hayes has selected a fully capped squad, signaling a definitive end to the exploratory phase of her tenure. Her earlier period saw her cap 44 different players in 2025, meticulously examining the depth of the talent pool. Now, the focus shifts.
