Meet the Squad 🇺🇸

06/22/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

U.S. Women’s National Team Reveals Roster for 2023 FIFA World Cup

We’re officially one month away from kickoff at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the squad is set. U.S. Women’s National Team coach Vlatko Andonovski chose his 23 players this week, and the roster video was released Wednesday with the help of President Biden, Taylor Swift, and other celebrities. Nine players are familiar names from World Cups past, but 14 newcomers will add excitement and youth to a team searching for its third straight World Cup crown. Here’s everything you need to know about the official USWNT roster heading to Australia & New Zealand in just a few weeks.

USWNT’s 2023 World Cup Roster

Forwards (6): Alex Morgan***, Megan Rapinoe***, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams
Midfielders (7): Julie Ertz**, Rose Lavelle*, Lindsey Horan*, Kristie Mewis, Savannah DeMelo, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan
Defenders (7): Crystal Dunn*, Kelley O’Hara***, Emily Sonnett*, Sofia Huerta, Naomi Girma, Alana Cook, Emily Fox,
Goalkeepers (3): Alyssa Naeher**, Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy

*Denotes previous World Cup appearances

USWNT By The Numbers

14 — Players making World Cup debut

9 — Players with previous World Cup experience

5 — Members of last two World Cup titles

(Morgan, Rapinoe, Ertz, Naeher & O’Hara)

Injury Holes: The devastating injury to captain Becky Sauerbrunn leaves a big hole on defense. Sam Mewis is also out of the World Cup with an injury, but her sister, Kristie, gets the nod. Star forward Catarina Macario is also out with an injury.

The Veterans: Some of Andonovski’s most surprising picks were maybe the most recognizable names. Notable names like Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath, and Christen Press aren’t in the picture, but 38-year-old Megan Rapinoe and 33-year-old Alex Morgan are the household names up top. Both Morgan and Rapinoe have nine World Cup goals apiece. Julie Ertz is also back after returning from maternity leave in April.

Young Players to Watch: A host of newcomers on defense and in the midfield will likely get playing time in the early rounds when potential blowouts are likely, but it’s the young forwards behind Morgan and Rapinoe who could prove most exciting. Trinity Rodman (21) — daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman — Sophia Smith (22) and Alyssa Thompson (18) are all promising future stars we’re excited to see.

One month to go! The USWNT’s first match is scheduled for July 21st against Vietnam.

WSJ: U.S. Women’s World Cup Roster Relying on Newcomers

NY Times: U.S. Women’s World Cup Roster Reflects a Team in Transition

Photo: Brad Smith / Getty Images