The USWNT's 2026 World Cup prep is well underway, with Emma Hayes making some bold decisions ahead of Brazil. For starters, Alyssa Naeher has retired, creating an opening for Phallon Tullis-Joyce to take her place as number one goalkeeper. With a relatively inexperienced squad, Tullis-Joyce's prospects have taken off after joining Manchester United, showcasing her shot-stopping skills and earning praise from the coaching staff.
While Tullis-Joyce is likely to start in Brazil, it remains to be seen if she can hold down the fort for an extended period. Mandy McGlynn, meanwhile, could find herself starting alongside Tullis-Joyce in goal, with Claudia Dickey offering a potential alternative in central defense.
The midfield has been an area of concern for the USWNT in recent years, but there's reason to be optimistic on this front as well. Rose Lavelle remains a vital component of the team, able to bridge the midfield and forward lines with her exceptional vision and passing range. Lily Yohannes has filled in some of the long-range distribution gaps left by Mewis, while Sam Coffey has offered dependable defending and possession retention.
However, the midfield is likely to be one of the first areas of the team to be whittled down as Hayes navigates the 23-player squad limit for the World Cup. Claire Hutton, Hal Hershfelt, and Olivia Moultrie are among those who could find themselves in a battle for spots.
Finally, Trinity Rodman is set to be one of the first names on Hayes' team sheet, with her pace and power making her a danger down the right flank. Meanwhile, Catarina Macario has re-established herself within Hayes' core after a strong preseason, while Alyssa Thompson's electric performances have made her an instant hit in Sonia Bompastor's plans at Chelsea.
Overall, it seems that the USWNT will be heading to Brazil with a talented but relatively inexperienced squad. While there are some genuine concerns about midfield depth and the potential for "Triple Espresso" in attack, Hayes' team has already shown signs of life ahead of this World Cup campaign.
While Tullis-Joyce is likely to start in Brazil, it remains to be seen if she can hold down the fort for an extended period. Mandy McGlynn, meanwhile, could find herself starting alongside Tullis-Joyce in goal, with Claudia Dickey offering a potential alternative in central defense.
The midfield has been an area of concern for the USWNT in recent years, but there's reason to be optimistic on this front as well. Rose Lavelle remains a vital component of the team, able to bridge the midfield and forward lines with her exceptional vision and passing range. Lily Yohannes has filled in some of the long-range distribution gaps left by Mewis, while Sam Coffey has offered dependable defending and possession retention.
However, the midfield is likely to be one of the first areas of the team to be whittled down as Hayes navigates the 23-player squad limit for the World Cup. Claire Hutton, Hal Hershfelt, and Olivia Moultrie are among those who could find themselves in a battle for spots.
Finally, Trinity Rodman is set to be one of the first names on Hayes' team sheet, with her pace and power making her a danger down the right flank. Meanwhile, Catarina Macario has re-established herself within Hayes' core after a strong preseason, while Alyssa Thompson's electric performances have made her an instant hit in Sonia Bompastor's plans at Chelsea.
Overall, it seems that the USWNT will be heading to Brazil with a talented but relatively inexperienced squad. While there are some genuine concerns about midfield depth and the potential for "Triple Espresso" in attack, Hayes' team has already shown signs of life ahead of this World Cup campaign.
I'm so stoked to see Phallon Tullis-Joyce getting her chance to shine as the new #1 goalie for the USWNT! She's done some sick things with Manchester United and it'll be interesting to see how she holds up in Brazil 
. And Rose Lavelle is still the real MVP, no cap 
. But I do hope they don't make any crazy moves in midfield, we need more stability back there 
️. And Trinity Rodman, girl is on FIRE 
! Catarina Macario's back and she's looking fierce 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out in Brazil 
. Bring it on! 
! I mean, who needs stability when you've got talented young guns like Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Trinity Rodman? It's like a real-life video game – "Triple Espresso" in attack is coming for Brazil, and we can't wait to see it! 
But seriously, the midfield situation does look a bit dodgy. I guess that's what happens when you're trying to make room for all these fresh faces 
, so fingers crossed she doesn't get too clogged in the midfield traffic! 
! But I gotta wonder about that midfield depth - with all the talented players vying for spots, it's gonna be a challenge to keep them happy. Rose Lavelle is still my girl though 
, I'm low-key hyped for the USWNT's 2026 World Cup prep! 
According to a recent analysis, the team's average age is expected to be around 26 years old, which is actually pretty young compared to past squads 
. They've got a decent balance of youth and experience, which could work out well for Hayes' squad limit 
.
. Meanwhile, their opponents have averaged around 1.2 goals conceded per game – that's a significant difference! 
. But we should also keep an eye on Claire Hutton and Olivia Moultrie, who are fighting for spots in the midfield 
... I mean, I guess it's cool that she's doing well, but sometimes I think we overanalyze these things too much. Oh, and speaking of beaches, have you tried those new beachy fries that just started popping up at fast food places? They're literally crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and taste like sunshine 
she's a decent goalie but not exactly a game-changer. Alyssa Naeher retiring is def a loss, though - the team was lacking some stability in goal. Rose Lavelle's still a pro, tho 
Claire Hutton & Olivia Moultrie need to step up their game or get left behind. Trinity Rodman's pace is legit 
. The squad looks talented, don't get me wrong, but midfield has been a issue for them in the past... fingers crossed Rose Lavelle can lead by example 
. And Trinity Rodman is like a breath of fresh air, that pace and power combo is unstoppable 
I just wanna see them kill it in Brazil 
Rose Lavelle is still a rockstar, and Lily Yohannes is doing her thing on the long-range distribution. But, I'm a bit worried about that midfield battle... 
Bring it on, USWNT! 
Emma Hayes is literally the best coach ever she's making some crazy decisions but it'll be so cool to see Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal!! 
I'm low-key hyped for Trinity Rodman too her pace and power will be unstoppable!!! 
Sam Coffey is my new fave defender she's always giving 110% on the field 
she's been lookin good with Manchester United tho 
rose lavelle is still a superstar in my book though 
️, and trinity rodman on the wing would be 
, and I'm excited to see how she'll hold her own alongside Mandy McGlynn. The squad's got a lot of heart, especially with Trinity Rodman leading the charge on attack 
Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle is still the heartbeat of this team 
, and I'm intrigued to see how Lily Yohannes fills in those long-range distribution gaps. Overall, it's looking like the USWNT's got a solid foundation for Brazil 
... now let's get ready to rumble!