The U.S. women’s national team is gearing up to play after a lengthy off-season. The team had no global tournaments scheduled this summer, leaving head coach Emma Hayes to select a 26-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and New Zealand.

Qualifiers on the Horizon

The Concacaf W Championship, taking place in November 2026, will be the official qualifying competition for the World Cup. With Canada as their closest competitor, the U.S. awaits results from qualifying matches starting next month.

“This is really the build towards qualification for next year. That’s what the start of this cycle actually means,” said Hayes. “Making roster selections for this camp was not easy, but it’s essential for our growth.”

Hayes emphasized the necessity of including younger players, stating, “By naming 26 players, we aim to honor the current NWSL season while allowing players to return to their clubs in great form.”

The Role of U-23 Development

The manager acknowledged that time away from the pitch is essential for development, emphasizing the significance of the U-23 team. “We see the U-23 program as an expansion of our senior squad,” she mentioned.

Hayes outlined that the U-23 roster would be revealed shortly, coinciding with the preparations for the seniors’ friendlies in Philadelphia and Connecticut.

Highlighting Jaedyn Shaw

Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw returns to the senior team after a notable transfer to Gotham FC. She has been a key player in both senior and U-23 camps this year.

“Jaedyn and others like Jordan Bugg and Lily Reale exemplify the successful synergy between the juniors and seniors,” Hayes said. “Shaw has progressed remarkably, proving to be a considerable goal threat for us moving forward.”

In summary, as the USWNT prepares for their upcoming games, their focus remains on nurturing talent and building a competitive squad for future championships.