In a period of rebuilding for the USWNT, head coach Vlatko Andonovski has many tough choices to make regarding the 2023 World Cup roster. The United States has always had a talent pool, but only 23 players can travel to represent their country at the World Cup.
It was a year of ups and downs for the United States Women’s National Team. They have struggled with injuries and struggled against European sides both home and away. They also won the CONCACAF W Championship in Mexico this summer, were again crowned She thinks champions, and punched their ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
But their biggest challenge of 2023 is the Women’s World Cup, hosted this summer by co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.
Head coach Vlatko Andonovski has been under pressure lately, with the USWNT suffering three straight losses for the first time since 1993. Andonovski’s rosters have only varied slightly from side to side, but he’s also limited by a long list of injured players.
Based on current information, this is a roster prediction that we could see take to the World Cup in 2023. This roster prediction also takes into account FIFA refuses to expand its list for the Women’s World Cup, keeping their rosters at 23 players instead of increasing them to 26 like the men.
The World Cup competition is heating up and building a stellar roster will bring the USWNT one step closer to defending their title.
USWNT roster prediction for 2023 World Cup
Gardiens : Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Adrianna Franch (Kansas City Current)
It’s no secret that a goalkeeper can make or break a team. While the USWNT is in a rebuilding phase, Alyssa Naeher has consistently proven that she is still starting programming material. Casey Murphy has earned nine caps this year, rotating in starting lineups for Naeher.
While Franch didn’t earn any tryouts this year, she was called up to the most recent camp due to her impressive club performance.
Défenseurs : Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns), Kelley O’Hara (Gotham FC), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Alana Cook (OL Reign), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Crystal Dunn (Épines de Portland)
Senior leadership has always been an important piece of the puzzle for the USWNT, and Sauerbrunn and O’Hara provide that leadership both on and off the field. Tierna Davidson was recently practice again, recovering from an injury. Expected to make her return to camp in January, it wouldn’t be too far off to assume she’ll be part of the World Cup roster.
Although there are strong arguments for Crystal Dunn to be listed as a midfielder, Andonovski still features her as a defender. She has consistently gained minutes since returning to the roster, with every performance for club and country stronger than the last.
Young talents like Huerta, Cook and Girma have more than earned their place this year, stepping up the big moments. In particular, it would be a mistake to let NWSL Rookie and Defender of the Year Naomi Girma off any list.
Milieux de terrain : Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit), Kristie Mewis (Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave)
The midfielder currently remains the biggest question for the USWNT. Players like Lavelle, Horan and Sullivan are staples on this team for good reason. They are all talented veterans who bring finesse and experience to the field. Lavelle and Horan are nominated for American Football Player of the Year. However, starting them for every game is not a catch-all for the midfielder.
Therefore, it is important to mix the midfield with young talents like Sanchez and Kornieck. Additionally, Kristie Mewis’ commitment to high pressure and aggressive attacking makes her an excellent selection for the USWNT midfielder.
Attaquants : Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Christen Press (Angel City FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Catarina Macario ( Olympique Lyonnais)
Several attackers listed here are currently injured, but Vlatko recently expressed hope that they will be back soon. If healthy, Macario and Press would be great additions to the World Cup squad.
Veterans Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan are expected to make the list, along with Mallory Pugh.
As for new faces, Sophia Smith has become a regular starter on the team, connecting well with Pugh and Morgan. And although Trinity Rodman hasn’t gained as many minutes, she can make a real difference with limited time on the pitch, as we’ve seen with her. offside goal against England.
There are several players with question marks regarding their health, and it wouldn’t be impossible to see them slot in here later in the year. Tobin Heath, Lynn Williams, Emily Sonnett, Sam Mewis and Abby Dahlkemper are among the players currently recovering from injury. Not to mention the young talents who are all vying for a place as a veteran.
Defenders Emily Fox, Hailie Mace and Carson Pickett earned caps with the team this year and could be called up if injuries continue to hamper the USWNT defense. Things will most likely change before July, but it’s exciting to speculate and look to the future.
The USWNT will play its next matches on January 17 and 20. away against New Zealand.