USWNT's World Cup roster features a mix of veterans and budding stars
The Americans have won back-to-back titles and looking for a fourth overall
With less than a month to go before the start of the Women’s World Cup, USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski announced on Wednesday his 23-player roster that will compete in Australia and New Zealand.
The squad features 14 players who will be making their World Cup debuts, while nine others, like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, have featured in at least two prior ones.
“We are expecting the level of play at this World Cup to be the best it’s ever been, and all the teams must keep up with that growth," Andonovski said. “For years, we’ve been able to see first-hand where the game is going and that’s exciting. We are proud to have been one of the teams leading the way for women's international soccer and I know the tournament will once again show the world how great these players are across all 32 teams.”
Strikers Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, along with defender Kelley O,Hara, were named to their fourth Women’s World Cup roster. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and midfielder Julie Ertz, two players who are going to their third straight World Cup.
Wingers like Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, two budding stars on this team, and midfielder Alyssa Thompson, who is just 18, are making their World Cup debuts.
The team has also dealt with a variety of injuries over the past year, including captain Becky Sauerbrunn and strikers Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario.
The USWNT, who captured the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, will open their title defense when they take on Vietnam on July 21. The Women’s World Cup runs from July 20 to Aug. 20
“Our players understand the challenges and the competitive environment we are heading into, and they love it,” Andonovski said. “We have a roster with depth and versatility and that will help us take on all the challenges that will be coming our way.”