USWNT Lineup Predictions Face Stakes with 2026 Games Looming
The first international window of 2026 has closed, leaving behind a sense of déjà vu. Emma Hayes continued to experiment with her team's lineup, featuring fresh faces and an unusually low average cap count for the starting XI.
Alyssa Naeher's retirement has created a void at goalkeeper, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems safely in pole position. With four caps under her belt, she has showcased her shot-stopping prowess with Manchester United. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are also vying for the spot, with McGlynn starting the first fixture but facing limited action against Paraguay.
The backline is where Fox shines, and Emily Fox vaults into the conversation for the world's best right back. Naomi Girma is a dominant force in midfield, with remarkable poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. Izzy Rodriguez provides an alternative to longtime starter Crystal Dunn at left back.
The midfield battle will likely be fierce, with Rose Lavelle's health a concern but her ability to operate in transition still invaluable. Lily Yohannes has chipped in with long-range distribution, while Sam Coffey offers dependable defending and possession retention.
Forwards are a bonanza of talent, with Trinity Rodman on the right flank, Sophia Wilson at striker, and Alyssa Thompson from the left. Catarina Macario re-establishes herself within Hayes' core, but her club season has seen her become a rotational figure.
Overall, while there are several predictions to be made, the most pressing question is how many of these talented players will make it into the World Cup qualifying team.
The first international window of 2026 has closed, leaving behind a sense of déjà vu. Emma Hayes continued to experiment with her team's lineup, featuring fresh faces and an unusually low average cap count for the starting XI.
Alyssa Naeher's retirement has created a void at goalkeeper, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems safely in pole position. With four caps under her belt, she has showcased her shot-stopping prowess with Manchester United. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are also vying for the spot, with McGlynn starting the first fixture but facing limited action against Paraguay.
The backline is where Fox shines, and Emily Fox vaults into the conversation for the world's best right back. Naomi Girma is a dominant force in midfield, with remarkable poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. Izzy Rodriguez provides an alternative to longtime starter Crystal Dunn at left back.
The midfield battle will likely be fierce, with Rose Lavelle's health a concern but her ability to operate in transition still invaluable. Lily Yohannes has chipped in with long-range distribution, while Sam Coffey offers dependable defending and possession retention.
Forwards are a bonanza of talent, with Trinity Rodman on the right flank, Sophia Wilson at striker, and Alyssa Thompson from the left. Catarina Macario re-establishes herself within Hayes' core, but her club season has seen her become a rotational figure.
Overall, while there are several predictions to be made, the most pressing question is how many of these talented players will make it into the World Cup qualifying team.
! It's like they're trying out a whole new team every time Emma Hayes makes a change 
. But seriously, I love the depth of talent we have on our squad – it's so inspiring to see so many fresh faces and experienced players alike. Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems solid at 'keeper, but Mandy McGlynn can't be ruled out just yet 
. And that midfield battle? Mind. Blown! 
With Rose Lavelle's health being a concern, it's gotta be tough to predict who'll start and sit – fingers crossed she's back to 100% soon 
. And let's not forget those forwards – Trinity Rodman on the right flank is giving me LIFE!!! 
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce is gonna be a solid goalie, no doubt about it. And that midfield battle? Forget about it, those girls are gonna go at each other like crazy 
i saw this article about the USWNT and it's like whoa so many new faces but also some familiar ones... i think Emily Fox is going to be a superstar right back, i mean that woman can play defense and offense for sure 
what's with all the midfield drama though? is Rose Lavelle okay?! 
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. But I'm not sure if Izzy Rodriguez is ready to replace Crystal Dunn just yet 
, but her skills on the field can't be ignored.
. I think Catarina Macario is still a key player for this team, even if she's not playing as many minutes in club ball lately 
!
they had those tiny headbands with the national anthem logo on them, it looks so ridiculous now. anyway, back to soccer... do you think they'll start Phallon at gk or keep Mandy & Claudia in rotation? 
gotta say, i'm loving the depth of talent on the USWNT! 
the new faces and experimental lineup are super exciting, but also kinda scary? 
also, gotta wonder if catarina's club season has taken a hit from being rotational... does she still have what it takes for the World Cup? 
. You've got your stars and your newbies, but who gets to be part of the starting XI? It feels like it's all about representation now, and while I get why we need more diversity behind the scenes, can't they just focus on winning? 
. Is this some kind of 'affirmative action' policy for goalkeepers?
. The new faces like Phallon Tullis-Joyce are giving me life, but the question is can they hold their spot in the starting XI? 
and Naomi Girma dominating midfield 
her skills with Manchester United are insane! and i love how Izzy Rodriguez brings an alternative to Crystal Dunn at left back 
the midfield battle is gonna be epic, especially with Rose Lavelle's health being a concern 
. anyway, back to the lineup predictions... I feel like Phallon Tullis-Joyce is gonna be the starter for goalies but then again, Mandy McGlynn has been doing pretty well in practice 
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can we pls get a more consistent goalkeeper for once? 
Emma Hayes has been experimenting with Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey too, so maybe she'll surprise us with a new starter? 
And what's up with Rose Lavelle's health issues? Is she gonna be ready for the World Cup? 
They're like, totally unpredictable now that Naeher's retired. I love Phallon Tullis-Joyce's vibe as a goalkeeper and Emily Fox is literally a genius at right back. But what really got me is Naomi Girma - she's just so dominant in midfield!