The US Women's National Team (USWNT) has just finished its first international window of 2026, a period that will provide much-needed stakes to guide decisions up and down the roster. The team's experimental lineup has included an unprecedented number of fresh faces, with only nine players in the starting XI averaging over 10 caps.
As Alyssa Naeher retires from international soccer, Phallon Tullis-Joyce appears to be firmly in pole position as her replacement. The Manchester United goalkeeper has showcased exceptional shot-stopping prowess and seamlessly integrated into the team's possession scheme.
Mandy McGlynn also caught Hayes' eye, starting in the first fixture but facing limited opportunities against Paraguay. Claudia Dickey has increasingly earned calls to camp, logging a near-cleaning sheet in Tuesday's 5-0 win over Chile. Jordan Silkowitz, Jane Campbell, and Angelina Anderson round out the candidates vying for the number one spot.
The USWNT's backline is another area where decisions will be made as Hayes looks for alternatives to longtime starter Crystal Dunn. Naomi Girma has vaulted into the conversation for the world's best right back, starring regularly for Arsenal. Emily Fox and Kate Wiesner are among those vying for the right-back spot, while Izzy Rodriguez has provided an assist in recent games.
At center back, Jordyn Bugg has impressed in her five caps, while Emily Sonnett offers a veteran presence that could be utilized more fluidly. A fierce competition exists between Girma's Olympic partner Tierna Davidson and others to pair with the USWNT captain in the middle of defense.
The midfield was an area where the team showed relative disjointedness during its Olympic run, but decisions will be made as Hayes navigates this position. Lily Yohannes has provided needed long-range distribution, while Sam Coffey has become a reliable defender and possession retention option for the USWNT. Claire Hutton could be an alternative to Coffey at the base of midfield.
Lindsey Heaps remains the team captain, but her approach to playing as a number 10 may not provide the same natural bridge between lines that Rose Lavelle offers. Jaedyn Shaw and Croix Bethune are dynamic alternatives to Lavelle in this role.
Finally, Trinity Rodman's return from maternity leave could be a major boost for the team, with the young forward having captained her national team for the first time recently. The team's forward line is likely to include Catarina Macario and Sophia Wilson, who are expected to be back on the field soon, alongside Alyssa Thompson, who has been electric in preseason.
Overall, the USWNT will need to navigate these decisions carefully as they head into World Cup qualifying in November.
As Alyssa Naeher retires from international soccer, Phallon Tullis-Joyce appears to be firmly in pole position as her replacement. The Manchester United goalkeeper has showcased exceptional shot-stopping prowess and seamlessly integrated into the team's possession scheme.
Mandy McGlynn also caught Hayes' eye, starting in the first fixture but facing limited opportunities against Paraguay. Claudia Dickey has increasingly earned calls to camp, logging a near-cleaning sheet in Tuesday's 5-0 win over Chile. Jordan Silkowitz, Jane Campbell, and Angelina Anderson round out the candidates vying for the number one spot.
The USWNT's backline is another area where decisions will be made as Hayes looks for alternatives to longtime starter Crystal Dunn. Naomi Girma has vaulted into the conversation for the world's best right back, starring regularly for Arsenal. Emily Fox and Kate Wiesner are among those vying for the right-back spot, while Izzy Rodriguez has provided an assist in recent games.
At center back, Jordyn Bugg has impressed in her five caps, while Emily Sonnett offers a veteran presence that could be utilized more fluidly. A fierce competition exists between Girma's Olympic partner Tierna Davidson and others to pair with the USWNT captain in the middle of defense.
The midfield was an area where the team showed relative disjointedness during its Olympic run, but decisions will be made as Hayes navigates this position. Lily Yohannes has provided needed long-range distribution, while Sam Coffey has become a reliable defender and possession retention option for the USWNT. Claire Hutton could be an alternative to Coffey at the base of midfield.
Lindsey Heaps remains the team captain, but her approach to playing as a number 10 may not provide the same natural bridge between lines that Rose Lavelle offers. Jaedyn Shaw and Croix Bethune are dynamic alternatives to Lavelle in this role.
Finally, Trinity Rodman's return from maternity leave could be a major boost for the team, with the young forward having captained her national team for the first time recently. The team's forward line is likely to include Catarina Macario and Sophia Wilson, who are expected to be back on the field soon, alongside Alyssa Thompson, who has been electric in preseason.
Overall, the USWNT will need to navigate these decisions carefully as they head into World Cup qualifying in November.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce is totally stepping up to fill Alyssa Naeher's shoes, and Mandy McGlynn is giving us some serious goalkeeping vibes. The squad is looking super fresh with all these new faces, it's like they're gonna change the game 
And can we talk about Trinity Rodman? She just came back from maternity leave and I think she's gonna be a total game-changer. The midfield is still a bit up in the air, but Claire Hutton could be the answer to our prayers 
And let's not forget Catarina Macario, Sophia Wilson, and Alyssa Thompson are gonna light it up up front 
. With Alyssa Naeher retiring and no clear number one keeper, it's anyone's guess who'll start against Paraguay 
. Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been impressive, but Mandy McGlynn just got started 
. Meanwhile, the backline is in chaos, with Naomi Girma looking like a dark horse for right back 
️. Jordan Silkowitz needs to step up ASAP or risk being left out of the mix 
. And don't even get me started on Crystal Dunn's future... 
and I'm loving the fresh faces 
! Phallon Tullis-Joyce is looking 
. But what's up with Crystal Dunn's retirement? 
! The midfield looks a bit meh, but Lily Yohannes' long-range distribution is 
! Catarina Macario and Sophia Wilson are gonna bring that fire 
. It's great to see so many talented players vying for spots, but I hope Coach Hayes takes her time and makes decisions that prioritize both short-term wins and long-term development 
.
. I mean, why fix what ain't broke, right? They've got some fresh faces coming in but that just means more competition for spots, which is great for the team... or something 
. I don't get why people are getting all worked up about Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Mandy McGlynn – they're probably going to mess everything up 
. And don't even get me started on Naomi Girma being considered for right back... she's got skills, sure, but can she handle the pressure? I'm calling it now: the USWNT is gonna tank at World Cup qualifying and we'll all be like "oh well" 
.
. it's all about creating opportunities for everyone to grow and contribute to the team's success, which sounds like an awesome way to build towards the World Cup in November 
!
. Mandy McGlynn started strong but I'm curious to see how much more she can do. Naomi Girma is giving me all the right back vibes 
! Emily Fox and Kate Wiesner are also contenders for that spot, so it's gonna be interesting to see who Hayes chooses.
! This team's got so much potential and I'm here for it 
! Naomi Girma is looking like the real deal at right back, I love her skills! 
. The competition for spots is fierce, but that's what makes it so thrilling to watch them all battle it out 
. its good to see phallon tullis-joyce getting some serious consideration for the #1 goalie spot 
. lets hope hayes makes some smart decisions so we can bring home that world cup title 
i think phallon tullis-joyce and naomi girma are gonna rock the goalkeeping position 
i mean phallon tullis-joyce is literally shutting down goals for man u and already getting calls from sam hayes lol what a blessing! and omg naomi girma is straight fire at right back, she's got game 
meanwhile, claudia dickey just had that epic clean sheet against chile 