With the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil now just over a year away, the roster picture for the US Women's National Team is starting to come into sharper focus. A recent trio of friendlies against Japan provided a crucial litmus test and has prompted some significant updates to our projections.
The most welcome developments are the returns of two key players. Striker Sophia Wilson is back in the fold after giving birth to her daughter, Gianna, earning a national team recall following her club return with the Portland Thorns. While still seeking her first goal back, the 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist made a strong impression with two starts against Japan. Meanwhile, defender Tierna Davidson has successfully fought her way back from an ACL injury suffered last March, logging valuable minutes in the final two matches of the window.
Head coach Emma Hayes, after a year of evaluating younger talent, seems to be zeroing in on her core group for Brazil. This includes players who have rapidly ascended, like a certain midfielder who earned her first cap just six months ago. Another fascinating subplot is unfolding in goal, where a genuine battle for the starting spot appears to be wide open following the mixed results against Japan (a 2-1 win, a 1-0 loss, and a 3-0 victory).
Based on current form, potential, and the direction of Hayes' project, here is our latest 23-player roster prediction for the 2027 World Cup:
Goalkeepers (3): Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
Defenders (7): Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC)
Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)
Forwards (6): Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Midge Purce (Gotham FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)