The U.S. women’s national team may not have a major tournament to worry about this year but the so-called ‘off’ year has already been an important one for the group, potentially setting the tone for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

Head coach Emma Hayes began her real work after the team’s Olympic gold win last year in Paris. Since then, she has been refining the player pool and providing substantial experience to emerging talents. With approximately 50 players participating in 15 matches since the Olympics, Hayes has significantly expanded the team roster.

The squad’s schedule for the coming months remains unconfirmed, but there are expectations of four to six matches during designated international windows in October and late November to early December. Meanwhile, here are some key storylines to monitor for the remainder of the year.

Building a New Core Roster

Hayes and her staff have diligently identified emerging talents for potential roles in the upcoming tournaments, focusing on expanding the player pool, which was previously limited by overreliance on veteran players. With ample time before the next World Cup, the team has room for development and experimentation.

Reintroduction of Veterans

During this transition period, Hayes has emphasized fresh talent, sometimes required by circumstances including injuries and maternity leaves of key players. Some veterans will return as Hayes evaluates their ability for the team’s future.

Goalkeeping Situation

The starting goalkeeper position remains uncertain, with six players competing since the Olympics, including Alyssa Naeher. October friendlies may provide clarity on who will take the role moving forward.

Scoring Without Key Players

Despite missing several key forwards, the USWNT has continued to score, showcasing the depth of talent in powerful positions. Players like Alyssa Thompson and Yazmeen Ryan have impressed, making solid cases for starting positions.

Midfield Dynamics

With an evolving midfield led by 18-year-old Lily Yohannes, the team seeks a balance following recent challenges in that area. Players such as Sam Coffey and Claire Hutton will play crucial roles moving into future competitions.

Hayes’s task will be defining roles within her crowded player pool as they head closer to 2027 and 2028, thus ensuring competitiveness at the highest level.