USWNT 2027 World Cup roster projection 1.0: Catarina Macario makes big impression; Key vets remain in midfield
The calendar year 2025 was one of experimentation and evaluation for the United States Women’s National Team. Head coach Emma Hayes is using the time spent in the next tournament cycle in a way she was not afforded while preparing for the 2024 Olympics. With just one international window remaining this year, the expanded roster will shrink as the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers approach in just 13 months.
The recent October window provided plenty of opportunities for the program after splitting games against Portugala 2-1 defeat followed by a 3-1 victoryand a massive 6-0 win over New Zealand on Wednesday.
“I think the last two games are another step. That’s it. It’s nothing more, but it’s starting to look like the team we’re trying to build,” Hayes said after New Zealand’s victory.
“I think all the credit goes to the whole team, because it’s such a joy to coach. They enjoy learning so much, but they give so much to each other, and when I tell you it’s such a joy to be in this environment, that’s an understatement.”
2027 USWNT World Cup Roster Projection
After a three-match international window, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving forward. This is exactly the kind of scenario Hayes wanted to be in at this point in the year. There’s still an early December window before the program is paused until 2026. Then it’s full speed ahead for November’s World Cup qualifiers for the Concacaf region.
Here is my squad projection based on recent form and experience from major Olympic tournaments:
Goalkeepers (3): Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Claudia Dickey (Seattle’s reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
Defenders (7): Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Tara McKeown (Spirit of Washington), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sonnet (Gotham FC), Emilie Sams (Orlando Pride), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC)
Midfield (6): Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (KC Current), Croix Béthune (Washington Spirit)
Attackers (7): Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Ally Sentnor (KC Current), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns), Mal Swanson (Chicago). Stars), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current)
Goalkeepers
Oddly enough, the situation that many thought would be a more methodical and time-consuming process might now be considered one of the most predictable. Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Claudia Dickey and Mandy McGlynn were the pillars of the goalkeeping union in 2025.
“I think you can see the consistency of selection in the three goalkeepers we signed. We’re starting to understand that. There’s consistency there. I think Phallon and his experiences in England I really took her game up a notch, like I really noticed that she was playing with a player who had gone through the different levels. There were things she definitely had to work on after Seattle, and I think she went to England and started adding them.” Hayes told the media after the roster was selected.
Unlike other positions which may factor in injuries or absences of key players, the focus has been on the major role due to Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. The two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist stepped away from the international scene last year, but has since played for the Chicago Stars, although she has yet to make the decision to play professionally at the moment.
“I’ve said it many times, if you think about when Alyssa Naeher became the number one goalkeeper for the U.S. national team, it takes time. But I would also say Phallon is a Claudia type of goalie. [Dickey] He’s a different type of goalie who I think also brings a consistent level of play. I think the difference between them is that you’re more experienced than you’ve been through more real-life situations, not just the Champions League, the FA Cup finals, maybe various club moves,” Hayes said.
“But I think the group that we’re bringing into this camp, we think those three are ahead. I think Phallon is ahead right now, experience-wise, but I expect to provide opportunities to at least two of them in this camp.”
Defenders
Next to the offensive core, there are plenty of guesses in the defender department. There are several injured defenders who were pillars of the Olympic team, namely Tierna Davidson and Naomi Girma. Questions also arise about the lack of minutes for Crystal Dunn (PSG) and Jenna Nighswonger (Arsenal) in Europe.
But we know that roster projections are imaginary and anything can change between now and next year, and it’s hard to ignore what new defensemen have done in and out of training camp. If there’s anything else Hayes values, it’s player versatility, and Emily Sams’ ability to play along the back line will keep her in favor.
Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown has emerged as a prominent center back for the national team, and Houston Dash’s Avery Patterson immediately jumped into the fullback conversation alongside Emily Fox, making things even more complex for the others.
midfielder
THE boost of youth and new faces at the pool this year had a purpose, but that doesn’t mean experience isn’t necessary. The right balance will win games, and Hayes has made it clear he needs both. This is why there is no doubt, for now, that Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle will remain key figures among the midfielders.
“This team has the fewest caps of any team we’ve had in 25 years. So you have to understand that Sonnett had 111 caps, I think in the last game, and the others had 100. This time, Rose had 114 and the others had 77… I mean, that’s what we want. These players, we’re developing real competition in our team and the expectations have always been there for this team. We understand But, internally, what is important for us is that we can be ourselves and play the way we want.”
Sam Coffey, fresh off Olympic gold and clinching an NWSL playoff berth with Portland Thorns, has quickly become a leading figure among the teams this year and spoke about the group’s poor performance in the opening loss to Portugal before the group bounced back in the opener.
Teenagers Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton also received numerous call-ups to camp this year, and while Yohannes plays with OL Lyonnes and Hutton continues to shine with Kansas City Current, the duo will still be part of the midfield core. If Croix Bethune continues her success with the Washington Spirit, the 2024 gold medalist could be back in the mix during the final window of the calendar year or in January.
Olivia Moultire has five appearances this year, with two starts, and she scored twice against Portugal on Sunday, but I still think she’s just on the fringes, with Jaedyn Shaw. Both players have split their time between U-23 camps and the senior team this year.
Attackers
This group is probably the most important core to be determined. There is no doubt that the rise of “triple espresso” with Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson during the Olympics was not only a return to the top step of the podium but a culture change. Catarina Macario was also an Olympic selection but withdrew from the roster due to a nagging injury.
Macario’s October window was a success, operating as a false nine at times, presenting a hold-up play and combining with Lavelle. She scored twice against New Zealand and is a player who was recruited to Chelsea by Emma Hayes.
Rodman’s return from a back injury was filled with highlight goals and a long-time call-up to national team camps. But the winger suffered a Grade 1 MCL injury and missed the October window. Hayes and the Washington Spirit hope she returns to the club for the playoffs after an evaluation. Wilson and Swanson are currently on maternity leave and, if they are in good shape heading into qualifying next year, they will certainly be back in the mix.
Under Hayes, there has been a common understanding that there are no longer any “locks” when it comes to roster selections. This was highlighted by last year Omission of Alex Morgan from the Olympic list. Hayes wants her decisions to be tough, but she also doesn’t shy away from making the kinds of headline-grabbing choices.
Yet if your young, star-studded, Olympic gold medal-winning offensive line trio is healthy and available, you select them.
Whoever ultimately fleshes out the advanced core will be of major interest. At this point, is there a fourth, fifth, and sixth best option for the offensive rotation? The answer is yes, but the talent is so good that it will be a competitive cold if the “triple espresso” is present. camps alongside Alyssa ThompsonAlly Sentnor and Michelle Cooper.
“I remember seeing her at the futures camp, my first impression of her that week – which was so priceless as the futures camp we have in January is essential not only for their development, but also to be seen by the national team staff. And if you think about the seven or so players who made their way to the national team, she was one who stood out at that time. If I’m honest, I’m not sure that without that camp I wouldn’t “Not sure she would have had the look that she has,” Hayes said of Cooper’s trajectory in 2025.
“But she just keeps getting stronger. I remember talking with Tracy Kevins about what a leader she has been at the youth national team level. And so I can see she’s taken everything in her stride. She wants to get better so much, and you can see the growth in her game again. She makes me laugh. Honestly, she’s hilarious. She’s such a joy, I think, for fans to watch, not just because she’s explosive and gets into big areas, but she brings a great personality to his piece.
