The highly anticipated U.S. Women’s National Team 2023 World Cup roster has been unveiled, and it is a formidable squad ready to defend its 2019 title. Packed with an exceptional blend of experience and emerging talent, this talented group of athletes showcases the depth and skill that has made the USWNT a dominant force in women’s soccer and promises an exhilarating tournament ahead.
14 of the 23 players the U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski chose for the 2023 Women’s World Cup roster will play in their first World Cup. While veteran players like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Kelly O’Hara, and Alyssa Naeher have three or more World Cup wins.
Meet the players who will begin training in Southern California, before playing their send-off game in San Jose on July 9th, 2023.
Forwards
Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave)
Known for her lightning speed, clinical finishing, and remarkable agility, Alex Morgan has the ability to break down defenses and score goals in the most crucial moments. Her impressive career highlights include being a part of the USWNT’s World Cup-winning squad and earning numerous individual accolades, including the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year.
Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign)
Megan Rapinoe’s technical proficiency, creativity, and ability to deliver crucial goals in high-pressure situations have played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Trinity Rodman is an emerging talent in the world of women’s soccer, making a name for herself with her remarkable skill and versatility as a forward. Rodman’s speed, agility, and technical abilities setting her apart on the field.
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
Sophia Smith has demonstrated a keen eye for goal, impressive speed, and technical finesse. Her ability to create scoring opportunities and her relentless work ethic have earned her recognition as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.
Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
As the youngest player on the team, Alyssa Thompson versatility and eagerness has already made an impact on the field. Selected as the first-overall draft pick for the 2023 NWSL season by Angel City FC, she has proven herself a breakout star. Thompson has a bright future ahead of her in women’s soccer, and her continued development promises exciting contributions to both her club and national team.
Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)
Lynn Williams possesses the ability to break through defenses and find the back of the net with remarkable consistency. A dynamic and powerful striker who has made a significant impact in women’s soccer, Williams is known for her blistering speed, physicality, and clinical finishing.
Midfielders
Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville)
Known for her exceptional technical skills and composure on the field, DeMelo has showcased her ability to control the midfield, distribute the ball with precision, and create scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Julie Ertz (Angel City FC)
Julie Ertz brings a unique blend of physicality, technical ability, and tactical acumen to the game. Her ability to read the play, intercept passes, and provide defensive stability has made her a vital component of her team’s success.
Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns / Lyon)
Lindsey Horan’s goal-scoring ability is noteworthy, as she has demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net with both power and finesse. As a key member of both the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Olympique Lyonnais, Horan possesses a unique combination of technical skills, tactical intelligence, and physical presence on the field.
Rose Lavelle (OL Reign)
Rose Lavelle’s ability to dribble past defenders with ease, create scoring opportunities, and deliver precise passes has made her an invaluable asset to her team. Her standout performances include her pivotal role in the USWNT’s victory in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she earned the Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third-best player.
Kristie Mewis (Gotham FC)
With her impactful performances, resilience, and continued growth Kristie Mewis’ technical skills, vision, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively making her a constant threat on the field.
Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit)
Ashley Sanchez’s close ball control, ability to create scoring opportunities, and vision for through passes make her a valuable asset in the attacking third. Sanchez’s ability to navigate tight spaces and find teammates with precision passes demonstrates her impressive soccer ability.
Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Andi Sullivan is a talented midfielder who has made her mark in women’s soccer with her technical prowess and intelligent play. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball with accuracy makes her an instrumental figure in her team’s midfield.
Defenders
Alana Cook (OL Reign)
Alana Cook’s ability to read the game, intercept passes, and win aerial duels makes her a formidable presence in the backline. Cook’s technical ability and distribution skills enable her to initiate attacks from the defense, contributing to her team’s buildup play.
Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns)
Crystal Dunn’s speed, technical ability, and relentless work ethic make her a standout performer. Whether deployed as a forward or a defender, she consistently delivers impactful performances, utilizing her agility and exceptional dribbling skills to beat opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage)
Emily Fox showcases her athleticism and defensive prowess, consistently making key interceptions and delivering solid tackles. Her ability to read the game and provide crucial defensive cover is matched by her ability to contribute in the attack with her precise crosses and overlapping runs.
Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave)
Naomi Girma showcases exceptional defensive skills, strong aerial ability, and excellent positional awareness. Her physical presence, coupled with her ability to read the game, allows her to effectively neutralize opponents and make crucial interventions. Girma’s calm and composed demeanor under pressure makes her a reliable presence at the back, providing stability to her team’s defense.
Sofia Huerta (OL Reign)
Sofia Huerta displays agility, technical prowess, and goal-scoring abilities. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, along with her clinical finishing, make her a constant threat in the attacking third.
Kelly O’Hara (Gotham FC)
Known for her exceptional skill set, unwavering work ethic, and leadership qualities, Kelly O’Hara is respected on and off the field. Capable of both shutting down opponents defensively and contributing to the attack with her precise crosses and incisive passes, she has made her presence felt in women’s soccer.
Emily Sonnett (OL Reign)
Emily Sonnett’s ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and make crucial tackles and interceptions make her an integral part of her team’s defensive line. Sonnett’s versatility is also evident, as she can seamlessly transition between playing as a center-back or as a full-back. Beyond her defensive contributions, Sonnett’s distribution skills and ability to initiate attacks from the backline add an extra dimension to her game.
Goalkeepers
Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit)
With exceptional shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence, and quick reflex, Aubrey Kingsbury is a standout goalkeeper. Her strong positioning and ability to read the game allow Kingsbury to make critical saves and deny opponents scoring opportunities, solidifying her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the game.
Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
Casey Murphy’s cat-like reflexes and ability to make crucial saves have earned her recognition as a reliable last line of defense. Her distribution skills and ability to initiate quick counter-attacks make her a valuable asset in starting attacking plays from the back. Murphy continues to make waves in women’s soccer, leaving a lasting impression with her outstanding performances.
Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Alyssa Naeher has established herself as a key figure in women’s soccer. Naeher’s calm and composed demeanor under pressure, along with her leadership qualities, make her a reliable anchor for her team’s defense. With her numerous accomplishments, including being part of the USWNT’s victorious 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, Alyssa Naeher continues to showcase her exceptional talent and solidify her status as one of the top goalkeepers in women’s soccer.
Check out the U.S. Women’s National Team’s World Cup schedule here