May 31, 2025; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; U.S. Women’s National Team defender Naomi Girma (4) defends against China PR defender Zhang Xin (6) during the first half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
On November 19, 2025, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) officially announced its roster for upcoming friendly matches against Italy in Florida. The selection of 26 players comes amidst the team’s current ranking of No. 2 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, trailing only behind the formidable host nation in their strategic preparation for the future. Meanwhile, Italy has solidified its position at No. 12 and is gaining momentum in international competition.
The roster:
Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4 caps), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4 caps), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0 caps)
Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)
Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnais, FRA; 167/38), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnais, FRA; 11/1)
Forwards: Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24/3)
Notable additions:
Over the past year, head coach Emma Hayes has demonstrated her commitment to a comprehensive scouting approach, allowing numerous athletes the opportunity to shine. As the year closes and the focus shifts towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, it is intriguing to observe the roster trimming process. Some notable inclusions to watch:
- Naomi Girma: Returning to the lineup after battling injuries, Girma has participated in just four of the USWNT’s matches this year, making her comeback significant.
- Jaelin Howell: Marking her return for the first time since 2022, Howell, the former top NWSL draft pick, has regained form with impressive showings at NJ/NY Gotham FC, offering her a chance to re-establish her international credentials.
- Jameese Joseph: Celebrating her first national team call-up, Joseph has made waves as a leading scorer for the Chicago Stars, promising exciting potential for the future.
Notable absences:
- Trinity Rodman: Currently in the spotlight for various reasons, Rodman is recovering from a back injury while preparing for critical contract negotiations following her appearance in the upcoming NWSL Championship.
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Absence due to a recent facial injury suffered while playing for Manchester United opens the door for a new talent, as Jordan Silkowitz gets her chance as a goalkeeper.
Other quick facts:
- The roster welcomes two first-time call-ups with Joseph and Silkowitz, alongside uncapped player Kate Wiesner.
- The average team age is 24.8, slightly older than previous rosters compiled by Hayes.
- Seven players will transition to this camp directly from the NWSL Championship, highlighting their recent competitive experience.
- Among the squad, only three players—Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett—are over 30 years old.
