USWNT October Roster Sets Stage for World Cup Preparation

The U.S. women’s national team has unveiled its 26-player October roster as it ramps up preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Head coach Emma Hayes has blended Olympic gold medalists, in-form NWSL stars and promising newcomers for a pair of high-stakes friendlies against Spain. This camp also serves as final tuning before the Concacaf W Championship, the region’s qualifying tournament for both the World Cup and Olympics.

October Friendlies Against Spain Provide Vital Warm-Up

After a summer hiatus following the Brazil series, the USWNT reconvenes in early October to face one of the world’s top sides. Matches against Spain will test tactical cohesion, match sharpness and squad depth. With packed stadiums expected, these friendlies will offer a realistic gauge of where the team stands ahead of Concacaf W Championship qualifying.

Spotlight on Ashley Sanchez’s Breakout Season

NWSL Record-Breaking Performance

Forward Ashley Sanchez headlines the October roster after matching the NWSL single-season goal record with 20 strikes. Since her positional shift at North Carolina Courage, Sanchez has demonstrated clinical finishing and consistent form, earning her first senior call-up since the 2024 Olympic cycle.

Integration into the “Triple Espresso” Attack

Hayes’ preferred front three—dubbed “triple espresso”—relied heavily on speed and pressing. Sanchez’s versatility and goal threat add a new dimension to this attack, challenging established roles and intensifying competition for forward minutes.

Introducing First-Time Call-Ups

Trinity Byars: Dynamic Forward

San Diego Wave FC’s Trinity Byars joins the USWNT for the first time after ranking among the NWSL’s top goal scorers. Her ability to link play and finish in the box makes her a candidate for future senior rosters.

Pietra Tordin: Versatile Midfielder

Portland Thorns’ Pietra Tordin has excelled both on the wing and at No. 10. Her creative vision and technical skill prompted Hayes to fast-track her integration into the senior setup.

Evelyn Shores: Emerging Playmaker

Angel City FC’s Evelyn Shores has quietly impressed fans and pundits alike. Brought in on merit, Shores offers ball progression and attacking flair from midfield.

Veteran Returns and Tactical Adjustments

Mallory Swanson’s Midfield Switch

After returning from maternity leave and recovering from a hip injury, Mallory Swanson rejoins the roster as a midfielder. Hayes sees her positional shift as a way to leverage Swanson’s work rate and passing range in buildup phases.

Injury Management for Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey

Defender Naomi Girma has battled knocks since her move to Chelsea FC, while midfielder Sam Coffey recovered from knee surgery in May and earned minutes with Manchester City. Both veterans are poised to contribute, provided they navigate ongoing fitness concerns.

Emma Hayes’ Development-Focused Strategy

Hayes emphasizes a dual objective: secure positive results in October friendlies while fostering individual growth. “This camp is about reestablishing connections after a long break and putting on our best performances,” she said. Younger prospects like Ally Sentnor and Jaedyn Shaw will gain valuable minutes with the U-23 squad to ensure consistent playing time.

By blending experienced stars with emerging talent, Hayes aims to build depth for 2027 and beyond, keeping an eye on both immediate qualifying challenges and long-term program sustainability.

Full October Roster Breakdown

Goalkeepers (3)

• Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 11 caps)
• Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; debut)
• Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United; 7 caps)

Defenders (8)

• Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 70 caps, 3 goals)
• Emily Fox (Arsenal FC; 78 caps, 1 goal)
• Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC; 54 caps, 2 goals)
• Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 14 caps, 1 goal)
• Lilly Reale (Boston Legacy FC; 9 caps)
• Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 12 caps)
• Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 11 caps)
• Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 7 caps, 1 goal)

Midfielders (7)

• Sam Coffey (Manchester City FC; 46 caps, 5 goals)
• Lindsey Horan (Denver Summit FC; 178 caps, 40 goals)
• Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 20 caps, 1 goal)
• Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 122 caps, 29 goals)
• Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC; debut)
• Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars; 103 caps, 38 goals)
• Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes; 20 caps, 1 goal)

Forwards (8)

• Trinity Byars (San Diego Wave FC; debut)
• Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 14 caps, 1 goal)
• Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 57 caps, 13 goals)
• Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 21 caps, 6 goals)
• Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage; 28 caps, 3 goals)
• Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns FC; debut)
• Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC; 32 caps, 4 goals)
• Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 63 caps, 25 goals)